Nigeria's former president and Balogun of Owu-Kingdom, Olusegun Obasanjo has called for the support of Ogun State Government in ensuring success of the Awowo Agro-Business Co-operative being floated by Olowu Hope Alive Initiative to address food inflation and make the country's hub of massive food production for West African sub-region
Obasanjo made call over the weekend in Abeokuta during the grand-finale of the 2024 Odun Omo-Olowu cultural festival which has its theme "Growth and Advancement", urging Governor Dapo Abiodun to give the needed support to the Agro-Business Co-operative located on 3,000 hectares of farmland in Ewekoro Local Government Area
The Prime-Minister of Owu-Kingdom also asked traditional rulers and chiefs in Owu-Abeokuta communities to equally support by attracting investors , particularly Owus in Diaspora to come home and invest massively in the agricultural scheme designed for various aspects of Agro-Business including crop planting, poultry, fish farming, animal husbandry, piggery, agro-processing amongst others
Obasanjo who appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for identifying with Owus, equally stressed the need for cooperation among Owu-people, particularly during the current economic challenges in the country
"Times are hard in this country and we need to support ourselves, encourage the Olowu of Owu-Abeokuta kingdom Oba Prof Saka Adelola Matemilola for his tireless and commitment to growth and advancement of the kingdom
The highly colourful cultural festival held at Ori-Omi Sokori in Abeokuta ,attracted dignitaries including Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, his predecessor and two terms former Senator for Ogun Central, Ibikunle Amosun , the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Afolabi Ghandi, the Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Olu of Eleyele, Oba Moshood Ola Yusuff , former Ogun State National Commissioner in the National Population Commission and Yeye Meto of Owu-Abeokuta, Chief(Mrs) Oluseyi Aderinokun- Olusanya , Baba-Oba of Owu-Abeokuta, Prince Alabi Adelanwa and the immediate past Nigeria's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Alhaji Sarafa Tunji -Ishola, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Hon Sesan Fagbayi and that of Forestry, Engr. Oludotun Taiwo amongst others
Former governor, Amosun, a promise son of Owu, lauded the initiative of the Olowu, describing Oba Matemilola as outstanding monarch in the history of Owu-Abeokuta kingdom
He pledged to continue to support economic growth of Owu-Abeokuta kingdom while performing presentation of post humous awards to distinguished Owus who contributed to the growth of the kingdom during their life-time
The awardees included Late General Ekundayo Opaleye, Late Chief(Madam) Ayoka Adebayo, Late Oba (Dr) Olufemi Ogunleye and Late Akogun of Owu-Abeokuta kingdom, Chief Rabiu Ishola Akinsiku
The event also featured presentation of awards to distinguished Owus who contributed to the development of the kingdom including Aare Lasa of Owu, Alhaji Fatai Okedara, Lieutenant Col.(Prince) Babajide Akinyemi and Hon(Dr.)Omoleye Olabode
The event was spiced up with homage to Olowu by Chiefs, interest groups, Owu-Youth group and Owu-Abeokuta communities with their farm produce for the year, displayed of cultural dance by Ogun State Cultural Troupe, Royal Dance Company, comprising of children and climaxed by performance of Ella-Isu(cutting of Yam) by the Olowu of Owu-Abeokuta kingdom, Oba (Prof) Saka Adelola Matemilola to the admiration of Owus and other dignitaries who graced the event
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