The Ojude Obafestival hasgradually become an upstage fiesta for sons and Daughters of the Ijebuland to celebrate the ileya festival and also pay obeisance to the paramount ruler of the people, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.The event which is now becoming the envy of corporate organizations who see the cultural platform as an avenue to reach potential customers vis--vis giving back to the community in which they operate also showcase the fashion aficionado of the people among families, friends, tourists and visitors.Unfolding newer features yearly, the trend of the festival has not only boost the economy of the town but also created an ambience for unity, peaceful coexistence and progress to reign, while economically, value for individual sustainability is assured.Apart from the normal razzmatazz that characterized the yearly event, the just-concluded Ojude Oba will continue to linger in the memories of tourists, visitors and people of Ijebuland at home and abroad who joined other at home to celebrate at the Awujale palace.Although the Ojude Oba is getting bigger by the year but the crowd control which is one of the sensitive areas that could hamper the success of the festival was poorly managed by security operative who were carried away by the side attractions and electrifying performance by individual and groups at the main bowl of the palace.The 2011 Ojude Oba was a free for all fiesta where things were simultaneously happening leaving the visitors to make choice of their spectacles from the activities at the venue.However the excitement and fun got to its pick when the age grades, groups and associations, dressed in the best and in a carnival like manner danced and sing praises as they in turn paid homage to the Awujale of Ijebuland, who welcome and pray for them.Subsequently, Globacom, one of the corporate sponsors was true to its corporate social responsibility, as the telecommunication giant that identify with culture and celebrate the people through what is dear to them presented a gold plated trophy with a cash prize to the best age group float.Speaking at the event the, chairman, Ojude Oba festival Committee, Chief LiadeBalogun, thanked all and sundry for successfully celebrating the 2011 and also commended the corporate sponsors for their participation and brand loyalty.According to Balogun, 'This event is expanding because of the genuine effort and commitment of our people to preserve and promote their heritage through social event like this and also the support of indigenous corporate organizations which Globacom, forms one of the pillars of support.''I want to specially laud the management of Globacom for their unalloyed support and wonderful sponsorship commitment thus gearing us to renew the sponsorship bid for another nine years.'Also the governor of Ogun State, chief Amosun, who was in company of his counterparts from Osun and Ekiti State, said the Ojude Oba is one of the many avenues that needed to be encouraged and promoted to develop state and people economically.Amosun added that for a steady development in a society, unity, sincerity of purpose and spirit of brotherhood must passionately be promoted among the Ijebus.For the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who also played host to prominent royal fathers, the Obi of Onitsha, Eze Nnemeka Achebe and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the event was another feat in the determination of the town to rally and reunite all Ijebu sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora towards meeting their civic responsibilities.While charging Nigerians to identify with good leadership trends to boost uniform development in the country, the Awujale urged political office holders and leaders to treat local, state and federal issues that touched the lives of the citizenry with good judgement and sincerity of purpose.
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