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… Ogun Government Reaffirms Support for Culture
…Senator Yayi Highlights Achievements, Promises More
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The vibrant 2025 Oronna Ilaro Festival came to a colourful close on Saturday, November 15, 2025, as sons and daughters of Ilaro-Yewa, along with residents and dignitaries from across Nigeria, gathered at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion, Empire Field, Ilaro, Ogun State.
It was a grand celebration of the rich culture and heritage of the Ilaro-Yewa people. Attendees adorned themselves in beautiful traditional attires – especially Aso Oke – which enhanced the splendour of the day and showcased the tourism potential of Ilaro-Yewa and Ogun State at large.
The programme commenced with prayers offered by the Chief Imam of Ilaro Central Mosque, Imam (Sheik) Tajudeen Mustapha-Adewunmi, followed by a Christian opening prayer from the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ilaro Chapter, Evang. Biodun Ahyinde.
The traditional rites were then performed by Chief Adekunle Ajao, the Oluwo of Ilaro-Yewa.
Welcoming guests to the occasion, the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the 2025 Oronna Ilaro Festival, Chief (Pharm.) Lekan Asuni, stated that the festival has evolved far beyond a cultural ceremony.
Chief Asuni further explained that the annual celebration has now become a tool for economic empowerment, tourism expansion, and youth engagement.
Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Oluwaseun A. Fagbayi, affirmed that the state would continue supporting arts, culture, the creative economy, and tourism.
Dr. Fagbayi commended the organisers and pledged stronger collaboration among the various ethnic groups in the state to sustain cultural promotion.
The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Mr. Olayiwola Awakan, noted that promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage is equivalent to showcasing the nation’s immense potential.
According to him, Nigeria’s cultural heritage also serves as a powerful medium for presenting the country positively to the global community.
Declaring the event open by releasing colourful balloons, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Olugbenle, expressed gratitude to all attendees, saying, “I want to thank you for honouring us at this programme.”
The monarch offered heartfelt prayers for every son and daughter of Ilaro-Yewa, wishing them long life, peace, and prosperity.
He prayed that the festival would not bring sorrow to anyone and prophesied that next year’s edition would be even greater, with everyone present witnessing it by God’s grace.
Speaking at the event, the distinguished senator representing Ogun West, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), congratulated the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, Olori Omotola Olugbenle, the Olu Ilaro-in-Council, Chief (Pharm.) Lekan Asuni and his planning team, and the entire people of Ilaro City for hosting a remarkable celebration.
Senator Adeola (Yayi) remarked, “This festival is just one of the many we celebrate in Ogun West. All our festivals must grow to this level, and that is why we will continue to work closely with our traditional rulers to promote arts and culture across our communities.”
He assured that all major celebrations in Ogun West would henceforth be organised with the excellence seen at the Oronna Ilaro Festival, adding that he would soon discuss this vision with the Ogun West traditional rulers.
Senator Adeola (Yayi) reassured the people of Ilaro and Ogun West of a brighter future ahead, saying, “Our best years are still ahead of us. In terms of development, you have not seen anything yet.”
The Senator emphasized that the Oronna Festival is one of many cultural celebrations in Ogun West that deserve full support to promote arts and culture in the region.
Senator Adeola commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for promoting festivals across the state, noting that his support has contributed immensely to the holistic development of Ogun State.
He also praised the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, for nurturing and expanding the Oronna Festival since ascending the throne in 2012.
The Senator highlighted his developmental contributions to Ogun West, including over 300 completed infrastructure projects covering roads, healthcare, education, markets, security, and ICT.
He also noted his role in facilitating the upgrade of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, into the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI), along with his long-term commitment to transforming Ogun West into a “small London.”
Senator Adeola reiterated his resolve to continue collaborating with Governor Abiodun to advance Ogun State’s development and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He praised Governor Abiodun’s achievements in security, road construction, hospital development, education, and aviation—especially the Gateway Cargo Airport in Iperu – describing him as a non-sectional leader committed to all parts of Ogun State.
The Senator detailed additional facilitated projects, including 115 road projects, 30 school buildings, 32 primary healthcare centres, 25 markets, 13 town halls, 10 ICT centres, 2 intensive care units, 2 libraries, and 8 police stations.
Other achievements include the donation and installation of over 200 transformers, 250 solar street light projects with 26,000 poles, and the repair of major electrical infrastructure that restored power to over 100 communities.
He further stated that more than 50,000 constituents have benefited from empowerment initiatives, including skill acquisition, equipment support, and cash grants; 15,000 traders received financial support; 6,000 farmers benefited from agric inputs and machines; and thousands of students received scholarships and laptops.
Senator Adeola added that he has sponsored 16 bills, one of which resulted in the transformation of FPI into FUTI, officially making Ilaro a university town.
He reminded the gathering of his earlier promise during the 2023 festival to transform Ogun West into a “small London.”
Senator Adeola acknowledged the collaborative efforts of leaders such as Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, and Hon. Tunji Akinosi, stressing that unity and teamwork continue to drive progress across Ogun West.
Representing Governor Dapo Abiodun, Deputy Governor Alhaja (Engr.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting culture and tourism.
She noted that festivals like Oronna are not just cultural showcases but responsibilities that foster unity, peace, and sustainable development.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hon. (Mrs.) Hannatu Musa Musawa, expressed great delight in joining the people of Ilaro-Yewa for the Grand Finale.
She praised Ogun State with humour, saying, “Ogun State no dey carry last – Ogun State dey carry first,” and projected even greater growth for the festival.
Hon. (Mrs.) Musawa described Ogun State as the backbone of Yoruba cultural strength, noting that the state continues to open new doors for cultural expression.
She also gave a special appreciation to Senator Adeola (Yayi), referring to him fondly as her senator and big brother, and proudly identifying herself as a daughter of Ogun State.
In his goodwill message, Senate Deputy President, Senator Barau Jibrin, paid glowing tribute to Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi, describing him as “a man we are proud of; a man doing well for Yewaland, Ogun State, and the entire nation.”
He assured the people that when the time comes, their son – Senator Adeola – would not only manage available resources effectively but attract even more from the federal level to develop Ogun West.
Highlighting the importance of tourism to national development, Senator Jibrin, who led 49 other senators and members of the House of Representatives to the event, affirmed its significance within the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He emphasized that beyond its colourful displays, the festival offers immense socio-economic benefits.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, later led a delegation of his colleagues to commission an ultra-modern recreational centre facilitated by Senator Adeola Yayi for members of the foremost club in Ogun West – the Recreation Club, Ilaro (RCI).
Senator Jibrin, while declaring the edifice open, praised the state-of-the-art recreational facility and congratulated RCI members for enjoying yet another dividend of democracy through their representative in the Senate.
He urged them to make good and responsible use of the centre as a way of encouraging Senator Adeola Yayi to continue his impactful interventions.
Representing the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Deputy Governor, Alhaja (Engr.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, commended Senator Adeola Yayi for his transformative strides across the senatorial district.
She, however, appealed to him to extend similar recreational developments to other parts of Ogun West.
The Life Patron of the club, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Olugbenle, also expressed deep appreciation to Senator Adeola Yayi for facilitating the modern facility for RCI members.
The monarch congratulated the club and urged its members to maximize the use of the edifice for their collective benefit.
In his remarks, Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi thanked God for granting him the opportunity to contribute to the development of his club and community.
He prayed for greater grace to do even more – not only for the people of Ogun West, but for the entire good people of Ogun State.
The President of RCI, Mr. Kayode Salako, speaking on behalf of the club’s esteemed members, expressed profound gratitude to Senator Adeola Yayi, a proud and committed member of the club, for facilitating such a befitting recreational centre for the comfort and advancement of his brothers in Ilaro-Yewa.
He also extended appreciation to Senator Barau Jibrin for leading the Senate delegation, to Governor Dapo Abiodun (represented by the Deputy Governor), and to the ever-supportive monarch, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, for contributing to the realization of the club’s long-held dream.
Salako assured that the club would take proper care of the facility, praying that God grants Senator Adeola Yayi the fulfillment of his aspirations and those of his people ahead of 2027.
The Engineer who handled the construction later conducted guests around the facility, showcasing its world-class features and equipment.
Apala music icon, Alhaji Musiliu Ishola, electrified the Asade Agunloye Pavilion as he thrilled guests, clubs, and associations with his masterful delivery of the Apala music genre, to the admiration of the entire audience.
Later in the day, Oba Olugbenle joined the people of Ilaro-Yewa, their guests, clubs, and various associations at the Oju Oronna Hall in the heart of the town, where the celebration evolved into a colourful carnival.
The atmosphere was electrified by the performance of the illustrious son of the soil and renowned gospel musician, Prince Abel Dosunmu (Mega 99), whose band thrilled the crowd with an exciting blend of juju, afro hip-hop, and gospel medleys.
The 2025 Oronna Ilaro Festival, themed “Festival of Joyful Grace,” featured prominent traditional rulers, political figures, entertainers, and thousands of enthusiastic participants.
Many attendees expressed the belief that events like the Oronna Festival have the potential to boost tourism, stimulate local economies, and create job opportunities – not only in Ilaro-Yewa or Ogun State, but across Nigeria.
