Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El – Rufai, and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Dickson Seriake, have urged Nigerians to see the nation’s diversity as a source of “strength” for its “greatness” and not for disunity.
Amosun, El – Rufai and Seriake said the country’s diversity should be fully utilised by Nigerians in harmony “for the good and progress of Nigeria” and not otherwise.
The trio made the appeal separately yesterday while delivering separate goodwill messages at the 2016 annual Ojude – Oba cultural carnival of the Ijebu nation in Ogun State, Nigeria which depicted an array of people suffused with glamour, excitements and splendour.
An estimated 25,000 Ijebu sons, daughters friends and well – wishers participated at this year’s Ojude Oba in Ijebu – Ode, the royal home of Awujale and where over 35 age grades – Regberegbes, took turn to pay homage to him who is often referred to as the Orisa Ijebu(the god of the Ijebu people)
Amosun who lauded Oba Adetona for his capacity to use “culture, tradition and religion” to weave a an enviable and enduring unity among his people, said the nation’s leaders should emulate leadership style and forge a greater unity among Nigerians out of the country’s multi – diversities.
The Governor also commended the Ijebu people for not only making Ogun State unique with the Ojude Oba festival but for also using same to continually launch the State into global consciouness.
” One sees the love, tenacity and determination of the Ijebu people to showcase their rich cultural heritage and tradition. In Ogun State, we create the template for others to follow.
“In Nigeria, we should serve diligently. It is not where one comes from or religion should count but one’s diligent service. We should emulate Kabiyesi ability to forge unity among his people despite different religions.
“We should live in togetherness, love and harmony not only in Ogun State but also in Nigeria,” Amosun said.
For El – Rufai, he lauded Awujale for the courage and leadership competence in leading his people towards organising the annual Ojude Oba which he dedcribed as an “incredible event.”
” I came here not as Governor, not as guest of Governor Amosun or as a member of All Progressives Congress but I’m here because Awujale is my father, a man of great wisdom, unparralled courage and integrity.
“Throughout my public service and exile, he was a true father to me. He adviced and even supported me financially. I know dream of Ijebu State is close to your heart and one can pray for your long life to see Ijebu State come to pass,” El – Rufai said.
Also, Governor Dickson Seriake who was the Special guest of honour, urged Nigeria to find a way to export Ojude Oba to the rest the world through cultural tourism.
Seriake who is a descendant of Adebukunola Fidipote, a Princess from one the Ruling Houses of Awujale stool in Ijebu – Ode, said Nigeria should leverage on her rainbow of diversity to work towards greatness and not division.
In his brief spech, Oba Adetona said the festival has continued to gain more local and global attention by the year and commended Govermor Amosun and corporate bodies for their continual support.
Apart from the three governors, Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s Deputy – Governor, Princess Yetunde Onanuga, former military Governor Old Rivers State and traditional ruler, HRH, Afred Diette – Spiff, were among the digniatries who honoured the Awujale at this year Ojude Oba with their presence.
Others are Omoba Olori Subomi Balogun, Speaker Ogun State House of Assembly, Suraj Adekunbi, the Moyegoso of Itele – Ijebu, Oba Adesanya Kasali, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Ogun State, Chief Bimbo Ashiru, his Culture and Tourism counterpart, Basorun Muyiwa Oladipo and the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu.