Senator representing Ogun West, Adeola Olamilekan Yayi has lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for what he described as remarkable support for tourism and cultural development in Ogun State, especially the Oronna Ilaro Festival which continues to attract local and national attention.
Speaking at the 32nd edition of the annual celebration in Ilaro, the senator said festivals across the state are witnessing steady growth because of the administration’s deliberate commitment to tourism advancement.
He said, “Let me salute our dear Governor, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, for his support for tourism development through promotion of different festivals in the state including Oronna Ilaro Festival. I am sure that your support is targeted at a holistic development of all aspects of our state.”
Yayi also appreciated the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, for sustaining and expanding the festival since assuming the throne in 2012. He described the monarch as a rallying point for unity and cultural preservation.
The senator used the event to outline his own contributions to Ogun West, stating that he has facilitated about 300 completed projects within two and a half years, cutting across roads, schools, health centres, markets, ICT hubs and security infrastructure.
He said, “In over two years, I have facilitated the completion of about 300 infrastructure projects,” adding that these include “over 115 road construction projects, 30 school buildings, 32 Primary Health Care Centres, 25 modern markets, 13 town halls, 10 ICT centres, two Intensive Care Units, two libraries and eight police stations.”
He further disclosed that he has empowered more than 50,000 residents through skills training, equipment distribution and cash support.
According to him, “Over 4500 tertiary institution students have benefitted from scholarships and bursaries… while about 6000 farmers benefited from farm inputs and machineries.”
Yayi also highlighted his legislative strides, noting that one of the sixteen bills he sponsored has been passed into law, upgrading the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro to the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro.
He said this fulfilled his earlier promise to position Ogun West for greater transformation, reminding the gathering of his pledge “to turn our senatorial district into a small London.”
Governor Abiodun, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, sent warm greetings to the Olu of Ilaro and the entire Yewa Kingdom.
Delivering the governor’s message, she described Oronna Day as an important reminder of heritage and collective strength.
Abiodun said, “Ilaro remains a commanding gateway for socio economic transformation. Under our Building Our Future Together Agenda, Ogun West and Ilaro in particular have received renewed attention and strategic investments.”
He also emphasised the government’s ongoing interventions in agriculture, youth development, infrastructure and cultural preservation.
He expressed gratitude to residents for their loyalty and support and encouraged them to remain united. The message noted, “I assure you that we remain committed to creating policies and programmes that uplift our communities. We will continue to listen to your voices, engage your ideas and advocate for the resources you truly deserve.”
Conveying the governor’s support for the event, the deputy governor announced a donation of fifty million naira to the festival committee, praising organisers for their dedication to safeguarding Ogun’s cultural heritage.
The celebration drew traditional rulers, political leaders, cultural enthusiasts and sons and daughters of Yewaland from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
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