An Archdeacon of Diocese of Ijebu-North Church of Nigeria,Anglican Church of Saint John's Anglican Church, Ijebu-Igbo, Venerable Lawrence Otegbola, Senator Lekan Mustapha and President of Royal Union of Owu People (RUOP), Engr.Fatai Akinbade have stressed the need for traditional rulers in Owu-Kingdom and to champions the crusade for unity and among Owu-people, just as they solicit more support of Owus for completion of the construction of a befitting National Secretariat in Orile-Owu in Osun State
They made the call in their separate remarks over the weekend during the celebration of the 32nd edition of annual Owu National Convention held in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State
The cleric who made the call in his sermon over the weekend during a thanks giving service marking the yearly Owu National Convention held inside Saint John's Anglican Church Oke-Sopen area of Ijebu-Igbo, urged them to see the diversity of Owu-people as major advantage capable to transforming the economy of the people and ensuring peaceful co-existence with others
The Vicar reading from Psalms 133 in the holy bible, added that the elites, particularly those in position of authority, must use such key positions to support others and lift them up, so as reduce disturbing rate of poverty in the country and insecurity in the country
"We should use our key positions to support people around us for the progress of the society, we should strive to make others to grow and reduce level of poverty in the land . Your greatest achievement in life is raising people to become greater . Don't allow anyone to discourage you from making people great", the clergy man admonished
Also speaking as special host at the event Sen.Mustapha who represented Ogun East in the last dispensation, says "all hands must be on deck to foster unity not only within Owu people but among our neighbours in the spirit of the theme of this year's convention 'The Year of Consolidation"
"The need to consolidate the legacies of our forefathers is now. Progress and development of Owu Nation and by extension Nigeria as a whole should be the concern of all of us ", he urged
He equally appealed to them to donate generously towards the completion of the ongoing National Secretariat project of Owu-Nation in Orile-Owu
Similarly President of ROUP, Engr. Akinbade said since the formation of the group 32years ago, the union had been experiencing continuous unity and progress has been its hallmark, saying "more Owu settlements have joined and the union is waxing stronger in the unity and progress "
Akinbade who commended the effort of Nigeria's former president and Balogun of Owu-Abeokuta, Olusegun Obasanjo for encouragement given so far, called on sons and daughters of Owu-kingdom to consolidate on the achievements of the group by ensuring completion of the National Secretariat project
The event also witnessed empowerment of women who had completed their vocational training in various trades organized by Obirin-Owu, the women wings of ROUP.
Awards were also presented to those who have contributed to the development of various communities of Owu across the country , including Senator Lekan Mustapha, Dr(Mrs) Titilola Iyabode Koleoso, Alhaji Akeula Mustapha, Alhaji S A Maiyegun amongst others
The convention attracted several traditional rulers from Owu communities in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Igbo, Ibadan, Orile-Owu, other communities in Lagos, Kwara, Oyo and Osun States, including host, Oba (Engr) Michael Olusegun Adesina of Owu-Ijebu, Ogun State, Oba (Prof) Saka Adelola Matemilola of Owu-Abeokuta, Ogun State , Oba(Dr.), Adekunle Oyelude Makama of Owu Kuta, Osun State, Oba(Dr), Olateju Adewoye of Owu-Isin, Kwara State, Oba Ajolola Akinfalabi of Orile-Owu, Osun State
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was represented by wife Bola Obasanjo who joined other prominent sons and daughters of Owu-kingdom including the Oganla of Owu-Abeokuta and National Secretary of ROUP, Hon.Johson Olu- Fatoki amongst others
The event was spiced-up with rich display of variety of masquerade dance and cultural dance and music
No comments:
Post a Comment