By Olawale Olayinka, Abeokuta
The Towulade of Owu-Akinale, His Royal Majesty Oba Oluseyi Adediran, has conferred the prestigious chieftaincy title of Asiwaju Agbaakin of Owu-Akinale on the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju.
The colourful installation ceremony, held on Thursday in Owu-Akinale, attracted traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, journalists and other dignitaries.
Speaking during the event, Oba Adediran said the honour was in recognition of Olanrewaju's outstanding contributions, exemplary leadership and commitment to community development.
The monarch thanked guests for gracing the occasion and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the image and accelerating the development of Owu-Akinale.
Highlighting some of the achievements recorded during his reign, Oba Adediran disclosed that a free medical outreach was organised as part of the event, with medical professionals conducting tuberculosis screenings and providing free medications through the support of the United Nations.
The Towulade expressed profound appreciation to the Adebayo family, particularly Engr. Oluwole Babatunde Adebayo, the Akogun of Owu-Akinale, for rebuilding the Baptist Church, Owu-Akinale, and constructing a new pastorium for the Christian community.
He also commended the Chief Executive Officer of Mogbadewa Foundation, Prince Babajide Adeoye Akinyemi, for his remarkable contributions to the development of the community.
According to the monarch, "You remodelled and completely renovated our ancient and dilapidated Town Hall, whose foundation was laid on April 7, 1978, transforming it into a befitting and modern palace. We remain eternally grateful. May God grant all your heart's desires."
Speaking on the community's healthcare project, Oba Adediran recalled that the foundation of the Owu-Akinale Health Centre was laid by the Olowu of Owu on the day of his coronation. He announced that the project had now been adopted by Chief and Mrs. Yemi Odebiyi, the Asoludero of Owu-Akinale, in memory of their late parents.
He added that the facility, to be named Aduni Olufunmilayo Makinde Clinic, Owu-Akinale, is expected to be commissioned in December.
The monarch further appreciated the management of Stellar Steel Company for partnering with the Towulade Educational Trust Fund to distribute school bags to pupils of Baptist Primary School, Owu-Akinale.
He revealed that the company had also undertaken the construction of the community's police station, which is now about 70 per cent completed.
In his remarks, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, praised the Towulade for the remarkable developmental projects executed within his first year on the throne.
He described the achievements as evidence of divine favour and a reflection of the monarch's passion for community development.
"Within one year of his reign, everyone can see the tremendous progress that has taken place in Owu-Akinale. God has truly answered his prayers for the development of this community," the Olowu said.
Oba Matemilola also applauded Prince Babajide Adeoye Akinyemi for his unwavering support for the Towulade and the community, while commending Stellar Steel Company for its intervention in the construction of the police post.
According to him, the completion of the police station will significantly strengthen security in Owu-Akinale and its neighbouring communities.
The Olowu further lauded the Towulade's spirit of selfless service and commended the Olori of Owu-Akinale, Chief Mrs. Olufolake Adediran, for her steadfast support for the monarch.
He urged sons and daughters of the community to rally behind the Towulade, stressing that meaningful development requires collective commitment.
"You have all seen the efforts of Kabiyesi. Do not leave him to carry this burden alone. Let every son and daughter of Owu-Akinale who can contribute to the development of this community come forward and support the ongoing transformation," he said.
The revered monarch expressed confidence that with sustained unity and support, Owu-Akinale would witness even greater development in the coming years.
Responding after his installation, the newly installed Asiwaju Agbaakin of Owu-Akinale, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, dedicated the honour to his parents, acknowledging their sacrifices and invaluable role in shaping his life and career.
"I dedicate this honour to my parents for their sacrifices and unwavering support. I was chosen not because I am the best, but because I am one among many deserving individuals," he said.
Olanrewaju expressed gratitude to the Towulade and the people of Owu-Akinale for finding him worthy of the prestigious title.
He pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of the community while upholding the values and integrity that earned him the honour.
"I assure Kabiyesi and the good people of Owu-Akinale that I will play my part in advancing the development of this community and continue to improve on the qualities that earned me this prestigious chieftaincy title," he said.
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