By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has urged the people of Remoland to strengthen unity and cooperation with their Ijebu kinsmen in the quest to actualise the proposed Ijebu-Remo State, stressing that harmony remains critical to achieving the collective aspiration.

Akpabio made the call at the 2025 Remo Day celebration held at the Akarigbo Pavilion, Sagamu, with the theme “One People, Diverse Cultures, One Identity.” He described the Remo people as industrious, enterprising and notable industrialists, noting that sustained peace and cooperation would be pivotal to the creation of the new state.

“I want to urge the Remo people to continue to live in peace. Remo is blessed with hardworking industrialists, which explains the concentration of industries in this area,” the Senate President said. He assured that the National Assembly would support the state creation drive, adding that the proposed capital must be located in a peaceful environment.

Beyond cultural festivities, Akpabio said Remo Day provides an opportunity for reflection and strategic thinking on homeland development. He noted that his presence at the event underscored Nigeria’s unity across ethnic lines, urging citizens to embrace diversity as a strength in nation-building.

The Senate President also assured Nigerians that insecurity would soon be tackled decisively, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for charting a bold course for national development despite prevailing challenges. He pledged the Senate’s continued collaboration with the executive and lauded Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for infrastructural achievements, describing the Gateway International Airport as the best in the country.

In his remarks, Governor Abiodun described Remoland as a land of illustrious sons and daughters whose contributions have significantly advanced Ogun State and Nigeria. He said the large turnout at the event reflected the unifying power of culture, warning that societies that lose touch with their roots risk losing their identity.

The governor highlighted key projects executed in Remoland, including the Sagamu-Iperu-Ode-Sapaade Road, and announced that international cargo operations would commence at the Gateway International Airport next month. He said the development would boost logistics, create thousands of jobs and position Remo as a major agro-processing and export hub in West Africa.

Earlier, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, said Remo Day was instituted to celebrate, preserve and project Remo culture globally. He reaffirmed Remo’s commitment to cultural preservation and collaboration with stakeholders towards the actualisation of the proposed Ijebu-Remo State, while appreciating Governor Abiodun for partnering with Remo indigenes to construct the palace pavilion.

The second edition of Remo Day attracted dignitaries from across the country and featured colourful masquerade displays, homage by age grades, clubs and associations, and the ceremonial opening of the palace pavilion, marking a significant milestone in the celebration of Remo heritage.