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BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
SAGAMU, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has praised the people of Remoland for their remarkable progress in agriculture, education and industrialisation.
Speaking on Friday, December 28, 2024, during the maiden edition of the Remo Day Celebration held at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, the governor highlighted the breakthroughs achieved in agriculture, education, science, and technology.
He attributed these successes to the collective efforts and unity of the Remoland community.
Governor Abiodun also used the occasion to challenge Community Development Associations (CDAs) in the region to embark on more impactful developmental projects. He stressed the importance of leveraging their shared vision to improve the well-being of residents and sustain Remoland’s ongoing progress.
“Over the past years, Remoland has made significant progress, from advancements in agriculture and industrialization to breakthroughs in education and technology. These achievements highlight what a united and visionary community can accomplish.
“Remoland is home to Ogun State Gateway International Airport and is also a reference to the Gateway Agro-cargo Special Processing Zone,” he said.
Prince Abiodun said the Remo Day celebration would continue to be a shining example of how culture could help bring the people together and foster a sense of pride and identity, observing that it would grow to become a major tourism activity that would attract people from around the world.
The celebration, the governor added, is a testimony to the unity, resilience, and progressive spirit of Remoland, adding that it holds a central place in the government agenda for tourism potential and the socio-economic development of the state.
The governor also promised that Community Development Associations whose projects engender growth and enhance development would receive funding from the state government.
He noted that his administration was committed to ensuring that the grassroots experience accelerated development.
He said: “I want to assure all the citizens of Ogun State that our administration will continue to support meaningful community development projects proposed by our Community Development Associations.
“As a government, we are committed to ensuring that all our citizens, especially those at the grassroots, are actively involved in the development process. We will continue to provide the enabling environment for community initiatives and self-help projects.”
Governor Abiodun said his administration has worked diligently to enhance public service, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainable development, noting that the promotion and sustenance of cultural and tourism potential in Remoland for future generations would be intensified.
While noting that the government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of development, Prince Abiodun called on individuals, corporate organizations, and the private sector to partner with the state government in its Building Our Future Together Agenda.
The Chairman of this year’s Remo Day Celebration and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbass, noted that the House of Representatives is committed to advancing the cultural aspirations of all Nigerians.
He said as the representatives of the people and the custodians of democratic ideals, it is their duty to ensure that every voice and community is heard, adding, “Our work in the House is driven by the understanding that the strength of a nation lies in the well-being of its people and the preservation of its heritage.”
The Speaker reminded the people of the need to uphold their shared identity and communal spirit, as well as the foundation on which they must build a stronger nation, emphasizing that the values of unity, collaboration, and respect for diversity that define Remoland should prepare them to work towards a nation that is united, prosperous, and forward-looking.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, in his contribution, said with more than 250 ethnic groups, each with its unique tradition, Nigeria remains a beacon of rich culture, celebrated through festivals like Arugungu, Osun-Osogbo, and the new Remo Day celebration.
He said the establishment of the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy and the efforts of the National Council for Arts and Culture underscore the importance of culture as a driver for growth and national cohesion, as it provides platforms for local artisans, encourages cultural exchange, and ensures that Nigeria’s rich heritage is celebrated globally.
He urged the people to take cognizance of the importance of preserving their culture while embracing innovations that the globalized world offers, calling for the empowerment of the youth to explore creativity through workshops, mentorship, and artistic platforms.
In his remarks, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, stated the desire of the Remo and Ijebu people to have a state out of the old Ijebu Province but emphasized, however, that the structure and shape of the new state must be deliberated to ensure transparency, equity, and equality.
He said the Remo Day celebration, which would be held every 27th of December, offers an opportunity to celebrate the spirit, culture, unity, and rich heritage of Remoland, noting that it is not only a festival but a call to celebrate the achievements of the sons and daughters of the land.
While commending Governor Abiodun for being a true representative of Remoland, the monarch lauded him for bringing development to the area and the state in general, urging the people to rededicate themselves to the preservation of their culture and ensure that the zone continues to be the investors’ destiny of choice.
The event was attended by prominent personalities, including members of the national and state legislatures, past governors and deputy governors, traditional rulers, and captains of industry, among others, and featured displays by cultural and age groups.
