45th Coronation Anniversary: Prof. Aribigbola identifies opportunities in Idanre
…Ooni, Osinbajo other notable Nigerians to grace occasion
Prof. Afolabi Aribigbola has noted that Tourism in Nigeria is not given full attention as hardworking people of Idanre would have made most of the opportunity because of their natural habitat.
Aribigbola made this assertion while delivering anniversary lecture as part of activities for 45th Coronation Anniversary of Owa of Idanre, Oba Frederick Adegunle Aroloye, pointing out that Agriculture did not allow Idanre to focus on tourism.
He said some countries depend on tourism for development therefore, he said Ketewa festival initiated by Hon. Yemi Olowolabi should be encouraged as tourism related activities.
The University don opined that tourism facilitating and supportive facilities like restaurants, hotels, good roads etc should be put in place.
In his reactions, an elder stateman Chief Korede Duyile asked for formation of Idanre Development Committee like others.
He Praised members of Owa’s Coronation Anniversary Committee for the job well done.
On his part, Hon. Henry Olatuja praised Owa’s Coronation Anniversary Committee and suggested they should be retained.
Arch. Akinseye said that the Committee had done well but lamented that the Golf Course at Atosin Idanre was neglected by successive administrations.
In his remarks, Oba Frederick Aroloye thanked all Idanre sons and daughters for their contributions saying it is a new dawn for Idanre.
He used the occasion to call on Idanre at home and diaspora to join hands in developing Idanre land adding that they have been yearning for higher institution of learning for long .
Charged the committee on Education to contact Chief Soore Charles Akinde to know how far the issue of University quest had reached.
He also thanked the Committee members for their dedication.
While speaking with journalists, the Chairman of the Anniversary Committee, Dr. Anthony Omolola expressed joy concerning the success of the programme so far.
He appreciated the contributions of individuals, various clubs and associations within and outside Nigeria.
Dr. Omolola pointed out that the Committee decided to honour different categories of people who had contributed to the course.
Also speaking, Engr. Benson Ajisegiri said that the people of Idanre kingdom responded to their calls to make donations because of the love they have towards the monarch.
He urged them to keep the flag flying to make the community the best in Nigeria.
Other highly placed personalities who spoke with journalists at the occasion said many laudable developments had taken place in Idanre during the reign of Oba Frederick Adegunle Aroloye.
They noted that they were motivated to contribute to the course of his celebration because of his good fortune as a leader of the community.
OWA’S 45TH CORONATION ANNIVERSARY: AYO OLOPON GAME HELD AS ADEGBAYE WINS
The winner of the Ayo Olopon game which was one of the activities organized for the celebration of Owa’s 45th coronation anniversary had been completed with Mr. Adegbaye “Lanre emerging as the winner over eight other contestants.
In the event held at Ese Ugbeke Tourist Centre, Idanre, Mr. Adegbaye Lanre, who was a runner up during the last year edition of Ketewa Cultural Festival won the first prize when he beat his toughest rival, Mr. Olufakoye Abayomi who got the 2nd prize while Mr. Omokinde Abiodun went home with the 3rd prize.
Speaking to the contestants shortly after the competition, Mr. Kelvin Ajibike Babalola, the Secretary of the Sports sub Committee, who spoke on behalf of the Coordinator, Mr. Akinnadeju Tunji, congratulated the winners and enjoined the participants not to lose interest for not winning as the joy lies much in participating rather than mere focusing on winning. He frowned at the current trend among the youths who look down at Ayo Olopon game which was used for relaxation and as interesting pastime in the past.
Professor Gbenga Samuel Oke, Dean, Faculty of Law at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, who rushed down from the Durosomo Events Centre, Idanre where Professor Afolabi Aribigbola delivered a lecture on, “Idanre: A tourism hub: The way forward” to partake in the Ayo Olopon game competition later gave the cash gifts to the winners and participants.