Ogun state Governor, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun MFR has bagged ‘Culture and Tourism Commitment Award’ at the just concluded 2021 Odun Omo Iganmode.
Prince Dapo Abiodun, who was appreciated for his unprecedented support for Odun Omo Iganmode and to the culture and tourism sectors of the state, received the award through his Deputy Governor, Engr. Mrs Noimot Oyedele-Salako during the grand finale of this year’s Odun Omo Iganmode which took place on 18th December, 2021 at Ansar-U-Deen Comprehensive College’s playing ground in Ota.
The Olota of Ota and Olofin Apesin Olode, Prof. Adeyemi Obalanlege, while presenting the award to Ogun Deputy Governor on behalf of Prince Dapo Abiodun, said he has in many ways shown commitments to boosting the values of culture and tourism in Ota and across the lenght and breadth of the state.
While reminding the Governor on the need to see to the urgent reconstruction of major impassable roads in Ota in order to further boost the economy of the stat, he expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s show of commitment and support for the exploration of tourism potentials and the overall economic development in the state.
“Ota is the headquarters of Ado-Odo/Ota local government, Nigeria’s second most industrialised area. The council is also one of the biggest in size and population in the country. This is why we are appealing to the Governor of the people, Omoba Dapo Abiodun to see to the urgent reconstruction of our major impassable roads. The Witches and Wizards in Ota no longer kill. They are now willing to contribute to the development of the state. Though, we appreciate the Governor for his laudable achievements in the state over the last couple of years,” the Olota of Ota said.
The Deputy Governor, Engr. Mrs Noimot Oyedele-Salako, reacting shortly after receiving the award on behalf of the governor, thanked Oba Prof. Adeyemi Obalanlege and the entire people of Ota for the special award bestowed on her Principal.
As a way of further supporting the cultural festival, Engr. Mrs Noimot Oyedele-Salako, announced the donation of Ten million Naira (N10, 000, 000) from Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun which was in addition to a previous Five hundred thousand naira donation (N500, 000) given to the organizing committee of Odun Omo Iganmode.
Earlier, Veteran Actress, Journalist and Cosmetologist, Mrs. Taiwo Ajayi Lycett OON and President, Lagos state Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Asiwaju Michael Olawale Cole, CON were given special recognition awards for their numerous contributions to the growth of Aworiland.
Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Aare Dele Bankole, while speaking with journalists, thanked the Deputy Governor, who was at the event as a proud indigene of Ota and and the key representative of Ogun State Government.
Chief Bankole, also on behalf of the Committee, expressed deep appreciation to numerous donors, individuals, organisations and the media that supported and made this year’s edition of the festival a ‘December to Remember.’
Odun Omo Iganmode is the biggest annual cultural festival in Ota, Aworiland with this year’s edition tagged, “Culture: A Module For Sustainable Leadership In Nigeria.” The grand finale, which was held on Saturday, 18th December, was heralded by weeklong activities, ranging from Medical outreach, visitation to the orphanage, cultural carnival, Egungun and Gelede display, Youth lecture, among several other programmes outlined to mark the major event.
The colourful event was capped by special thanksgiving service held at The Faith Tabernacle Church, Winners Chapel, Ota on Sunday, 19th of December, 2021.