Renowned cleric and founder of Adamimogo Nigeria, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, has called on Nigerians to remain supportive of the country.
His appeal comes amid ongoing nationwide protests against hunger and perceived poor governance, as citizens continue to take to the streets to voice their frustrations.
In a statement issued by his Personal Assistant, Deji Ogunbusuyi, the cleric acknowledged that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and an important means for citizens to draw the government’s attention to pressing issues.
He, however, urged that such demonstrations be conducted peacefully and within the bounds of the law.
Prophet Alo also commended the resilience of Nigerians who, despite numerous challenges, continue to participate in elections to sustain the country’s democracy—even remembering those who have died in the process.
He emphasised that democracy ensures freedom of choice, justice, fairness, equity, and inclusion.
The cleric called on political leaders to work diligently to strengthen democratic institutions and directly confront critical issues such as poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity, which he described as major threats to the well-being of citizens and national stability.
Prophet Alo congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, and other Southwest governors on the occasion of Democracy Day.
He further urged political office holders to prioritize the welfare of the people, stressing that their performance in office would ultimately determine their chances of reelection in 2027.
He urged Nigerians to continue to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying Nigeria will be better off if all can join hands together and move the nation to greater heights.
He acknowledged family of winner of June 12 Presidential election, Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO) and others who fought for the democracy.
He urged Christian, Muslims and traditional worshipers to pray for better tomorrow.
He however prayed that God will bless Nigeria, Southwest and Ekiti State where he come from.
Organised by the Young Adults and Youth Affairs arm of RCCG Lagos Province 19, the RECALP Summit has earned a reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading youth empowerment platforms.
Themed around inspiring the next generation, the summit brings together aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals to explore opportunities in career, leadership, business, politics, relationships, and the arts.
Convener of the summit, Femi Aminu, described this year’s edition as “a greater convergence of youths who will be nurtured and guided to greater achievements.”
A diverse lineup of distinguished speakers will headline the event.
Among them are renowned leadership consultant and CEO of Fifth Gear Plus Consulting, Dr. Niyi Adesanya; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; Mr. Jumade Adejola, CEO of Surveillant Fire Ltd; Mrs. Gold Adeoye, a relationship expert and CEO of Gold Adeoye Counselling Firm; Mr. Shina Atilola, Executive Director for Digital and eBusiness Banking at Premium Trust Bank; and Mrs. Dupe Olorunjo, a celebrated storyteller and filmmaker.
The Chief Host, Pastor Bayo Olugbemi, expressed optimism about the summit’s impact.
“Over the years, the RECALP Summit has recorded tremendous growth. We expect nothing less this year,” he said.
Since its inception in 2014, RECALP has served as a springboard for youth empowerment.
In a bid to expand its reach, this year’s edition will be streamed live on YouTube and other digital platforms, allowing virtual participation for those unable to attend in person.
The five-hour summit is free to attend, but participants are required to register at www.recalp.org/registration.
RECALP 2025 promises opportunities for networking, learning, and exhibition, particularly for emerging and aspiring entrepreneurs, as it continues its mission to inspire and empower young Nigerians.
As part of the activities lined up to celebrate the 80th birthday of the Presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr Mike Okonkwo, Nigerians with clouding of the eye’s natural lens which can significantly impair vision like cataract will be screened and operated upon at the Eye Foundation Ikorodu, Lagos.
To be screened, potential beneficiaries will be expected to pick up the registration form at TREM International headquarters, Obanikoro, Lagos and in all TREM branches in Lagos or fill the form online.
This compassionate approach aligns with Bishop Mike Okonkwo’s commitment to contribute towards community well-being and human development.
Other major activities lined up include the 2025 Mike Okonkwo annual lecture series with the theme “The Nigeria of Our dream: Today’s reality and a responsible pathfinder.”
The lecture will be delivered by former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on September 4th while Major-General Ike Nwachukwu, will be chairman. It holds at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
There would also be the Mike Okonkwo football tournament at the Nigerian Institute of Sports (NIS) National Stadium Complex, Surulere, Lagos from 14th June 2025.
Thirty-six male teams and eight female teams, making a total of 44 grassroot football clubs will compete at the event.
The finals of the competition is scheduled for Saturday 30th August at the Yaba College of Technology Sports complex in Lagos.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has cautioned against criticising pastors and men of God, warning that those who do may inherit curses.
In a sermon, he explained why brethren should respect spiritual leaders, citing biblical teachings.
Oyakhilome said that criticising ministers of God could attract negative consequences, urging his congregation to refrain from joining others in condemning religious leaders.
He stressed the importance of leaving spiritual leaders to God, stating, “Don’t criticise God’s people, especially the ministers of God. I say leave them alone. For the Bible says whatever they do, they do unto the Lord. Don’t join anybody to criticise other ministers. Because there are curses against those who do…There will always be some terrible things about members of your family. Don’t join them. If Satan pushes you and you do it, you have yourself to blame.”
Joining Pastor Emmanuel on the newly formed Executive Council are notable figures, including Pastor Daniel Olawande, Apostle Femi Lazarus, Pastor Chris Ojeikere, Pastor Philip Olubakin, Pastor Anwinli Ojeikere, Pastor Karis Ameh Wealth, Pastor Olusola Okodugha, Pastor Sam Obiora, Pastor Oge C Ogwe, and Pastor Olumese E. Olumese.
The appointments signal a fresh wave of leadership aimed at advancing the PFN Youth Wing’s mission.
The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, (MFM) Festac Mega Axis has held the Rising Higher Conference with the theme ‘Occupy till I come’ to empower pastors, ministers and workers in a bid to unlock their true potentials
The gathering featured insightful teachings on how to prevent and handle fire out break , importance of faithfulness and communication in family/marriages, physical and mental health wellness, biblical stewardship as well as uplifting worship sessions led by talented music ministers.
The conference which attracted speakers and 761 participants, was attended by all Overseers, Pastors, ninisters, departments and groups across the axis.
The Mega Regional Overseer (MRO), MFM Festac Mega Axis, Pastor Irabor Enojiasun, thanked the General Overseer of MFM Worldwide, Dr. Daniel Olukoya for his impactful leadership and passion in ensuring that every one that passes through MFM is not only saved but also developed spiritually and physically through different seminars and trainigs to become agent of transformation.
He said the conference was premised on reviving individuals, the Church and repositioning it for greater relevance. He said the conference is for participants to have a transformative encounter with God.
Speaking on the theme, Enojiasun enjoyed participants to be faithful stewards protecting and defending the faith while also investing in the Kingdom to bring forth godly fruits.
The Pastor stressed that all believers must be productive spiritually, bearing godly seeds through godly character, living in peace with everyone and functioning as agents of transformation as well as winning souls for Christ through biblical teachings and deliverance prayers.
Enojiasun reminded there will be accountability and a glorious day of judgement and reckoning when all individual actions, activities and investment on earth will be tabled before God.
The MRO said the Church brought an officer from the Federal Fire Service , SF Agbede Olatunde Olaleye who had practical teaching on the importance of fire safety, awareness, prevention, response and fundamentals of fire safety, which includes prevention, detection and fire fighting, highlighting smoke clog handling during fire incident among others.
The conference had teachings on importance of faithfulness and communication in families and marriages handled by Pastor (Mrs) C. Sanya . Sanya, who urged couples to make selfless commitment with a view to ensuring their marriages work.
She emphasized the importance of fruitful , edifying, loving and friendly, destiny enhanced communication in marriage which she describes as ‘blood and life’ of Godly marriages.
On her part, Dr.Funke Nwobu, a medical practitioner took participants on basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) , which she stated was crucial for maintaining blood circulation and breathing in cardiac arrest situations.
Nwobu said for mental wellness every individual should eschew anger, bitterness and lack of forgiveness.
She called on participants to ensure they stay healthy as well as help others to stay health by living together as brothers and sisters irrespective of religious affiliations, or ethnic biases.
The climax of the conference was the Impartation by the Senior Regional Overseer/Mega Regional Overseer, MFM Asaba Mega Axis, Pastor Moses Odunsi. Odunsi, who ministered on the topic ‘Higher Grace For Higher Level’. deeper intimacy with God, greater faith and greater trust, Increase in faithfulness and effectiveness as well as determination for spiritual growth and transformation as ways to attract Grace For Higher Level.
Participants described the conference as exceptionally impactful and will not only foster spiritual growth, empowerment, and renewed commitment to kingdom advancement but also make them agent of transformation in their families and societies at large.
Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide Bishop David Oyedepo has revealed his ambitious goal of constructing 1,000 churches as a legacy before reaching heaven.
He criticised those who own buses but refuse to use them for church activities on Sundays, citing excuses like high fuel costs.
Oyedepo emphasised the importance of heartfelt giving, sharing his personal vow to God before opening his first bank account to contribute to building new churches.
Oyedepo challenged the congregation to reflect the values of their faith community, warning that one’s actions mirror their true priorities.
He said: “Some may even have buses that are doing nothing on Sunday, but they won’t bring them out. Because, ah, 2,000 Naira per half liter. If it’s in your heart, go put it in your heart. Before I had the first bank account, I said, Jesus, if you ever bless me, I want to be part of building new churches. How many have heard that before.
“You have always heard everything. I told Jesus, I don’t want to come to heaven without a thousand churches built in your name. Over to you, you better wake up. Can I tell you something? Everybody’s a reflection of where he belongs. It’s time you start reflecting what happens in here”.
Pastor Jerry Eze, leader of Streams of Joy International and creator of the popular New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD) online platform, has clarified that he is not a “professional pastor.”
Speaking in a recent interview with Chude Jideonwo, Eze stated that God should take him if he ever becomes a professional pastor.
He also stressed that his ministry is rooted in a divine calling, not personal or financial ambitions.
Eze distanced himself from self-serving motives, vowing that he would rather God end his life and ministry if it ever shifted from glorifying God to promoting himself.
The pastor, who rose to prominence with NSPPD’s launch in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, said he never anticipated his current level of success.
He attributed his journey to following God’s guidance, expressing trust in divine support for his ongoing work.
“I’m not a professional pastor, the day I become a professional pastor, let God kill me,” Pastor Jerry declared, adding that “The day it ceases to be about God and be about Jerry let God close down everything.
“I didn’t plan to be here, this is not something you plan that at some point you’re going to be big and the world will hear of you. If He brought me this far then I’m trusting Him to help me every step of the way. I want people to feel and know the power of God through what I’m doing. I know what my assignment is, I know what God has called me to do, and it has consumed me.”
Eze added that his greatest motivation comes from the joy and testimonies of his congregation, which continue to inspire his mission.
“I don’t care what anybody thinks or feels but the encouragement is when I see those smiles and hear those testimonies,” Pastor Jerry added.
Amidst heavy criticisms, some experts have been sharing interesting insights on how the current administration has been reshaping the nation’s healthcare sector. Gboyega Alaka reports.
Taking a retrospective look back in time, can it be said that the nation’s health sector which has suffered a rather chequered existence in the past is gradually experiencing a positive turnaround?
Well, that is what a cross-section of experts seemed to be saying during a recent attempt at a post mortem of the nation’s healthcare system in the last two years.
Speaking against the backdrop of the Mid Term report from May 2023 till date, some experts on health matters experts gave a scorecard of their impressions as far as the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is concerned.
It may be recalled that in his Renewed Hope manifesto, President Bola Tinubu had carefully laid out an ambitious vision for the sector, centred on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthening the systems.
Specifically, he pledged to expand insurance coverage to at least 40 per cent of the population within two years, scale up the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and revitalise primary healthcare facilities, just as he also committed to addressing the brain drain in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Part of the 2024 deliverables for the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare was the mandate to expand Universal Healthcare Access and any form of Health Insurance: Achieve a 20% increase in the percentage of the population enrolled year on year, increase immunisation coverage, with a target of 20% increase in coverage within the next four years; improve maternal and child health outcomes rate by 20% and the under-five mortality rate by 15% in four years.
It also targeted training 100,000 health workers, strengthening primary healthcare by increasing primary healthcare utilisation by 2030, improving the quality of Consumable and Non-consumable products in Nigeria through efficient and timely certification as well as initiate and implement quarterly citizens and stakeholder engagement sessions to communicate government activities and serve as feedback mechanism.
Additionally, the Ministry also aimed to scale up immunisation coverage to achieve a 20% increase in coverage within the next four years with 2,016,030 children in the one year who have received 3rd dose of preventive vaccine1 and 2,300,000 children 12-23 months who received no vaccination (Zero Dose Children).
Going down memory lane, Dr. Wahab Timothy, a healthcare consultant, said since assumption of office in May 2023, Tinubu has introduced various reforms to transform healthcare delivery in the country.
According to him, “There have been funding for local research for new drugs, vaccines and disease epidemiology through the support of the private sector, with the Executive Order signed to boost local production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and medical devices, with $5billion Healthcare Project Pipeline created, attracting $2 billion in foreign investment.”
“The Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) was launched in December 2023 with the goal of achieving UHC by 2030. This initiative, backed by the National Council on Health, focuses on leveraging the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).”
The NHSRII, Timothy stressed, is aimed at enhancing Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (RMNCH), and to strengthen primary healthcare by revitalising 17,000 PHCs.
“Almost half-year into 2024, the government had committed over $2.2 billion in external financing that had been mobilised for the NHSRII through financial commitments from various development partners,” he stressed.
Lending credence to the foregoing, the Director-General of NHIA, Kelechi Ohiri, had in a recent interview reported a growth in health insurance coverage from “16.7 million to 20 million people” in just one year.
This is just as Ohiri said Nigeria has already surpassed its 2025 enrollment target, “and we are at the 2026 target.” Also, a 2024 survey by NOI revealed that only about 19 in 100 Nigerians have health insurance. All these highlight the need for continued efforts to expand coverage.
Also, in June 2024, President Tinubu signed an Executive Order on Healthcare, which became operational in October. The order wants to make healthcare more affordable, expand access, and prioritise local pharmaceutical production.
For 2025, the allocation nearly doubled to N2.48 trillion, accounting for 5.18 per cent of the total N47.9 trillion national budget. This includes more support for infrastructure and further investment in the BHCPF.
In response to the US aid cuts, Nigeria’s National Assembly approved an additional N300 billion for the health sector in the 2025 budget. The overall budget was N54.99 trillion, reflecting an increase of over N700 billion from the N54.2 trillion proposed by President Tinubu.
Expectedly, the mandate of the Renewed Hope Agenda also sought to help Nigerians from all social strata improve quality of life, reduce physical and financial pains and 30.8% reduction in HIV-related mortality, from about 52,000 AIDS deaths in 2020 to 36,000 in 2024.
Thankfully, antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage among pregnant women has increased from 33% in 2023 to 52% (2024 Spectrum preliminary results). Yobe, Plateau, Borno, and Katsina have achieved a remarkable 100% negative status for all HIV-exposed infants enrolled in the PMTCT programme.
This is just as the percentage of HIV-exposed infants with a negative outcome status through Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programmes stands at over 97%, demonstrating improvements in maternal and child health interventions (NDARS). Antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage among pregnant women has increased from 33% in 2023 to 52% in 2024 according to Spectrum preliminary results.
The government also upgraded four PHCs to General Hospitals, screening of over 4000 clients and placing 300 positive clients on treatments for viral hepatitis, successfully launched the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) and the National Strategic Cervical Cancer Control Plan and the National Research Agenda, providing a comprehensive framework for cancer.
Over the intervening period, the government trained 300 primary and secondary healthcare workers on urinary schistosomiasis as a primary preventive measure for bladder cancer, conducted advanced oncology training for over 1,000 healthcare professionals in areas such as colorectal cancer surgery, cancer immunotherapy as well as collaborated with NPMCN, WACP, and WACS to establish medical and surgical oncology residency programmes, enhancing specialised cancer capacity.
The government also trained 40 community healthcare workers on the use of handheld ultrasound probes for community-based cancer screening, just as 1,060 women had been treated as of October 2024 under the NHIA free fistula programme in 18 centers currently under the programme. Of these women, 735 have been enrolled into health insurance.
The percentage of HIV-exposed infants with a negative outcome status through Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programmes stands at over 97%, demonstrating improvements in maternal and child health interventions (NDARS). Antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage among pregnant women has also increased from 33% in 2023 to 52%.
The National President of NMA, Bala Audu, acknowledges meaningful progress in the health sector under the current administration.
Mr. Audu highlighted the enactment and implementation of the health workforce retention policy, which aims to reduce the brain drain and encourage Nigerian doctors abroad to return.
He also pointed to improvements in the medical and pharmaceutical value chain, with government efforts to build a local production ecosystem for drugs and medical supplies, alongside advances in research and training.
He noted an increase in the number of health graduates admitted into tertiary institutions and referenced the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda that seeks to provide housing for health workers across states, improving their welfare and retention.
Audu commended the government’s free cesarean section programme, part of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII), which targets indigent patients to reduce maternal deaths.
President Tinubu’s priorities include addressing the shortage of skilled health workers and improving their welfare.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, recently revealed that 50,000 frontline workers have been trained to reach 120,000 communities to provide integrated, people-centred care.
While this is a positive move, the major challenge is not just training but also retaining these professionals.
Flip sides
Though these policy moves and investments signal a shift toward reform, experts however argue that there is a long way to go.
At the 2025 Strategic Health Summit, government officials and health advocates assessed the sector’s progress and acknowledged that significant gaps persist.
Besides, adequate funding remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s push for Universal Health Coverage. One of President Tinubu’s early promises was to boost funding for the health sector through increased investment and budget allocation.
In the 2024 budget, the federal government allocated N1.23 trillion to the health sector, about 5.46 per cent of the total budget. While this was a slight increase from N1.17 trillion in 2023, it represented a drop in percentage terms from 5.8 per cent allocation the previous year.
The funds were directed largely at expanding health insurance and strengthening primary care through the BHCPF.
While this signals an increased domestic investment in health, it still falls short of the Abuja Declaration’s 15 percent benchmark for health spending, raising doubts about whether current investments are enough to support Tinubu’s vision for the sector.
The move, however, indicates an effort to reduce overreliance on foreign aid and enhance the country’s capacity to fund critical health initiatives such as HIV/AIDS treatment and immunisation.
There has been a significant reduction in the percentage of children aged 6-59 months with stunted growth, as 11,627,826 of them received the vitamin A dosage in the year 2024.
The population of Nigerians accessing primary healthcare services (PHC Out-patient attendance) has also increased to 18,427,293 due to wide coverage of immunisation programmes. Towards this end, 54,346 frontline health workers trained on integrated service delivery.
There has equally been improved health insurance coverage from a baseline of 16,797,451 in Year 2023 to 19,216,888 in Q4 2024, which is 95% of the 2027 target set for the Authority. The nation has also witnessed scaled-up BHCPF coverage and enrolled additional 600,000 citizens into the BHCPF programme, bringing the total enrollment to 2.401,776 by Q4 2024. In addition, the review of BHCPF guidelines including the development of the BMPHS is almost concluded.
Also 1,060 women have been treated as of October 2024 under the NHIA free fistula programme in 18 centers currently under the programme. Out of these, 735 have been enrolled into health insurance.
The authority reviewed the NHIA’s tariffs to incentivise quality of care – this involved multiple sessions with HMOs and healthcare facilities.
Protection against the vulnerable in Health
The sum of $800M+ World Bank loan was secured for healthcare system strengthening. Multi-Donor Trust Fund has also been established to consolidate external financing for better impact.
State Health Insurance Expansion: Over 2.3 million new enrollees are now covered under state-level insurance schemes. Equally, Vulnerable Group Fund was introduced in the 2024 Appropriation Act with ₦85billion allocated.
Nigeria loses its health workforce at an alarming rate every year
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, recently revealed that over 16,000 doctors left the country in the last five to seven years, causing the doctor-to-population ratio to drop to 3.9 per 10,000 people.
In 2024, Pate disclosed that Nigeria had about 55,000 licensed doctors serving a population of over 200 million. This figure falls below the WHO threshold density of 4.45 health workers per 1,000 people needed to deliver essential health services.
The minister said, the problem is compounded by the migration of over 1,300 consultants in the past five years and the looming retirement of more than 1,700 senior professionals.
Poor working conditions, low pay, and limited opportunities have been cited as major factors behind this. Although about 3,000 doctors graduate yearly, many prefer to migrate shortly after qualifying. In 2024, only 58,000 of Nigeria’s 130,000 registered doctors renewed their licenses, a signal of growing disengagement.
In response, the government approved a National Policy on Health Workforce Migration and allocated N46 million in the 2025 budget for its implementation. However, there are concerns that this amount is inadequate to address the scale of the problem.
Want to witness the best of Ijebu culture? Your destination is Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, and the dateline is Sunday, June 8. Held on the third day after Eid-el-Kabir, the festival, which literally means “The King’s Forecourt,” is famous for parades by various groups, including the Regberegbes (sons and daughters of the Ijebuland/age grades); horse riders, and cultural troupes, traditional dances, music, and fashion, and homage to the Awujale, the paramount ruler of the Ijebu Kingdom.
To be sure, cultural festivals abound around the world, including the carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with its elaborate floats, costumes, Samba music and street parties; Diwali in India with the lights, fireworks, lanterns, and decorations; the Chinese New Year with its lion and dragon dances; the Tomatina Festival in Spain famous for its tomato-throwing battle, music, and feasting; the United States’ Mardi Gras in New Orleans with its colorful parades, costumes and Jazz music, or the Holi in Nepal and India, replete with colors, powders and water. Nigeria has its Durbar Festival with colorful display of horses and cavaliers paying homage to the Emir in Katsuba, Kano, and Kaduna; Eyo Festival in Lagos famous for its masquerades and traditional rituals; Osun Festival of fertility featuring traditional worship and offerings; the Argungu Fishing Festival, a bare-handed fishing competition accompanied by water sports and wrestling in Kebbi State; and, of course, the New Yam Festival celebrated in Benue State (Ige-Agba Festival) and Enugu State (Mamanwu Festival). But Ojude Oba, the Ijebu festival of homage to the Awujale, is in a class of its own. It is, quite simply, Nigeria’s biggest festival of steeze, the dandiest exploration and presentation of royal couture marking the Ijebu homecoming, reunion and sheer majesty.
Name the popular fabric, from aso oke, sanyan and alaari to damask, lace and cashmere, and Ojude Oba is there to show you the possibilities of grandeur. You will be awed as you see men with their fila (cap) exuding affluence, and women with their gele skontolo (headgear) giving directions and showing the pride and elegance of the Ijebu people. Often bejeweled and, like their men, teaching class with the best wristwatches from around the world, women in goggles holding purses of various shapes file out in glorious array, and there are also horse riders dressed to kill and taking the centre stage. The various displays taking place at the Ojude Oba Pavilion, the arena called “Glass House” where the wealthiest participants do their thing; the main arena where the Regberegbe (age grades) sit in groups, and the centre stage occupied by the Awujale of Ijebuland, his dignitaries and guests, simply take your breath away. If you don’t have reserved spot, the regular seats are there for you. Ojude Oba is elegance and class in phenomenal expression.
If you want to see how the Ijebus revere and treasure their Oba, Ojude Oba is your destination of choice. The Ijebus converge to pay obeisance and assure the Kabiyesi of their loyalty and support, affirming his authority as the paramount majesty within the Ijebu Kingdom. All Ijebu obas and their subjects attend Ojude Oba. The Ijebus, renowned for industry and entrepreneurship, are widely acknowledged as one of the most sophisticated ethnic groups in Yorubaland. They are well travelled, exposed and wealthy. They are the lords of business, the captains of industry, and the biggest men in our politics. If you want to see the best attire or fashion or display; if you want to witness achievements and accomplishments in a live drama, come to Ojude Oba, a festival that many in Yorubaland envy because it is unmatched in splendor and glory. Do you remember last year with Oregba and his steeze, the picture that became iconic, a reference point for those who love fashion and class? This year promises more.
Naturally, the Ogun State government is actively involved in the celebrations. Speaking at the 2024 Ojude Oba Festival held at the Ojude Oba Pavilion in Ijebu-Ode, Governor Abiodun said: “Ojude Oba festival is not only a cultural heritage for the indigenes of Ijebuland, it has now become a significant event that attracts local and foreign tourists to Ogun State, showcasing our hospitality and enviable tradition of Ijebuland to the national and global audience. This festival serves as a symbol of our unity, tourism and a rallying point to all the Ijebu sons and daughters to celebrate the life and times of our tradition, our culture, and our revered monarch. It has become a catalyst for development of Ijebuland, this undoubtedly underscores the importance of preserving our traditions for future generations. By standing for unity and harmony, we elevate our community and set an example for others to follow. The essence of unity and harmony in Ijebuland can be seen willingly in cultural events like this festival. Our administration is deeply committed to supporting the initiative to make it a permanent event in the global tourism industry.” That, really, is the heart of the matter.
This year’s Ojude Oba will be packed with fun. Over to FCMB, one of the major sponsors of the event: “Ojude Oba reflects the type of society we’re working to build, one that values legacy, unity, and long-term prosperity,” Olojo said. “Our support, which began nearly 25 years ago, is rooted in the vision of our late founder, Otunba Olasubomi Balogun, who believed in the role of culture in enterprise development and community advancement.” Among other attractions, Yusuf Dongo, an Ijebu Ode-born young sculptor, is set to showcase a metal horse sculpture that pays tribute to the genius of the Ijebu people. The piece, which took three years to complete, is aimed at paying tribute to the history and traditions of Ijebuland. Hear him: “Ojude Oba is the perfect platform to exhibit this masterpiece. I want both indigenes and non-indigenes to connect with the rich culture, tradition, and history of Ijebu through my work. It’s also a great space for dialogue, networking, and connecting with like-minded creatives.”
And now, to Globacom, the main sponsor for the last 25 years. The company plans a magnificent cultural show, entertainment, customer rewards, and empowerment schemes. There are many prizes for subscribers to win at the event, including two brand-new Suzuki Celerio cars, four tricycles, five generators and ten grinding machines. As the winners collect their prizes. There is, of course, “An Evening with Glo” featuring Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi and Musiliu Isola on Thursday, June 6.
Ojude Oba is a phenomenal festival, but the Dapo Abiodun administration is stopping at nothing to make it even more phenomenal. Sunday will be spectacular!
•Akinmade is Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
