In order to advance development in Ogun West, indigenes have been urged to join hands in putting the welfare of all ethnic groups first.
The appeal was made by the deputy governor of the state, Noimot Salako-Oyedele on Saturday while receiving an Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of her achievements and meritorious contributions to the development of Yewaland and Ogun State at large.
While thanking the Yewa People Development Council (YPDC) for the award, she assured them of the commitment of the Ogun State Government to the development of Yewaland.
The deputy governor also charged Ogun Westerners to celebrate the unique history as well as the cultural heritage synonymous with region while also respecting and honouring their distinct identities.
She praised the Olu of Ilaro, the paramount ruler of Yewa land, for his efforts to ensure unity and oneness reign in the land, and appreciated the YEWA People Development Council for the award, calling it a cherished honour that serves as a reminder to herself and other awardees of their responsibility to the homeland’s development.
The Chairman of the YPDC Board of Trustees, the Olu of Ilaro and the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, ObaKehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, stated that “ Noimot Salako-Oyedele is a renowned daughter of the soil, a worthy representative, and no one could be more deserving of the award.
The paramount ruler added that the Yewa People Development Council, with the slogan “United for Development,” is a non-profit organisation with the goal of preventing exclusion and fostering inclusion, as well as community strengthening, by supporting, developing, and promoting unity within Yewa communities, and that the award was established to recognise and appreciate deserving Yewaland indigenes.
According to YPDC, the Yewa Special Awards and Civic Reception which was held at Yewa Frontier Hotel, Ilaro is the first in a series of events to mark this year’s Yewa Cultural Festival.
Also speaking, Isiaq Salako, the honourable minister of state for the environment, expressed gratitude to the event’s organisers for the honour bestowed upon him and pledged to do his share to further the development of Yewaland, Ogun state, and the nation as a whole.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Prof. Rahman Bello, the chairman of the planning committee for the Yewa Special Award and reception, stressed the importance of continuously honouring distinguished sons and daughters of Yewaland for their exceptional performances in their chosen endeavours.
He disclosed that the one-week event will include a football competition, cultural exhibitions, and other interesting events that would benefit the people of Yewaland. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for selecting Hon. Isiaq Salako as Minister of State for Environment and Barrister Festus Keyamo as Minister of Aviation, as well as Governor Dapo Abiodun for the progress made in Ogun West.
The Awardees at the Event include the Ogun State Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, Hon. Isiaq Akinlade, Hon. Member, House of Reps, Yewa South/Ipokia, Hon. Tunji Akinosi, Member House of Reps, Ado-Odo Ota, Hon. Gboyega Isiaka, Member Reps, Yewa North/Imeko-Afon, Barr. Festus Keyamo, Hon. Minister of Aviation, Hon. Isiaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment, Asst. Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service Adeogun Alajogun and the Ogun State Head of Service, Mr Kolawole Fagbohun.
