Eminent Nigerians, including the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima yesterday stormed Iperu for the annual Akesan Day festival.
The colourful event also witnessed attendance by Governors Abdulrahaman Abdulrasaq (Kwara), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, Senators and many House of Representatives members.
Speaking at the event, Shettima spoke on the effectiveness of using culture to unite the various peoples of Nigeria to forge a united nation.
According to the Vice President, the Akesan festival stands as one such strand to unite Nigerians, reinforcing the pride and identity of a community.
He said: “This edition of the festival like the ones before it speaks of the essence of the unity we have forged as a nation, it symbolizes the heart-beat of our nation.
“I commend you for investing significant time and resources to establish Iperu-Remo on the map and to remind us of this heritage.
“You have reinforced the identities and pride of our communities, fostering their patriotism and their commitment to pursuing our collective progress and nurture the bonds that bind us as a people.
“The Akesan festival stands as a testimony to the potential that lies within us when we unite under the banner of our shared heritage.
“Today, let us learn from Iperu-Remo the spirit of unity for operational determination. Let us harness the essence of our past to show a brighter future for generations to come”.
The host governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun noted that the cultural festival was symbolised by the legendary Akesan Baale Oja, who “remains a symbol of heroic exploits, valour, and self-sacrifice for the common good of the Iperu people”.
The governor noted that the people of Iperu shared cultural affinity with Ile-Ife Oyo, Ijebu-Ode and Lagos.
He said: “She was a woman with strong character and courage, was well rooted in commercial values and ethos, thus defining the attributes of the Iperus.
“We share deep cultural and tradition affinities with Ile-Ife, Oyo and Ijebu-Ode, coupled with our bond with the people of Lagos. Lagosians hate to be reminded that the Eyo Festival, historically originated from here in Iperu and was later exported to Lagos.
“Over the years, the Akesan Festival has attained global prominence for its historical significance and serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage, tradition and unbroken string of great accomplishments of the Iperu-Remos right from the homestead, as well as its critical contribution to the socio-economic development of the state and its continued existence”.
Prince Abiodun said his administration will continue to promote the state’s tradition and values and invariably make Ogun a pivotal tourism destination, adding that Iperu has become the gateway connecting Ogun State and the rest of the world through the Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport.
“Ogun State is a vibrant and sustainable tourism destination of choice. I want to say that the strategic economic status of Iperu and its pivotal role presently in the industrial revolution in Ogun State is not by accident; it is an economic and geographical intersection between the Egbas and Ijebu’s the gateway connection to those travelling between Lagos Ibadan to the north and Midwest and south east by road and now the gateway connection between Ogun state and the rest of the world by air.
“This was made possible by the construction and completion of the truly world-class international and cargo airport with the longest runway in Nigeria and the largest cargo apron, the best control tower, which will commence commercial operations in a few weeks”, he added.
He praised the Vice president whom he said had visited Remo thrice in recent times.
Prince Abiodun also praised the judiciary for upholding the rule of law, following his victory at the appeal court on Friday.
He promised the people that he would never take them for granted.
Prince Abiodun noted that his government will continue to identify roads of economic value for development until all parts of the state are touched, continue to create jobs, provide affordable healthcare as well as continue the ongoing energy transition.
