Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has described the gathering of kinsmen to celebrate various towns day as chords of unity, love and culture that unite the people and foster peaceful coexistence.
He made the statement on Saturday while addressing the gathering at the 31st Iragbiji day celebration held at Oke-Iragbiji Grammar School, Iragbiji.
This is even as the governor expressed his profound gratitude to the people of Iragbiji for their supports, love and prayers for him and his administration ever since he assumed leadership of the state four years ago.
He said, “Iragbiji Day remains the best proof of who and what we are. In line with the dreams and vision of our forebears, we have annually demonstrated that we are loving, united, culturally correct, development compliant and politically savvy. We have proved to the world that we are strong partners in the best demonstration of the Omoluabi ethos.
“As the governor and son of Iragbiji, I have showcased the best of our dear town through provision of quality and equitable services in all sectors and especially health, education, security and economy. I have managed the resources of the State, using the lessons that I learned on your laps – the skills of probity, accountability, creativity and innovation, rendering the best of services in a depressed economy and bringing our economy out of the woods and putting it on the path of sustainability.
“This is the signature which the Iragbiji put in my hands as a young boy growing up in a town surrounded by hills and I have put the seal on the State for all to enjoy.
“Together as a people, we have identified development as the basis of our union. In the past two years, we have made Development for Progress the theme of Iragbiji Day in line with our belief that for development to serve our collective purpose, it must be sustainable, equitable, planned, coordinated, holistic, and needs directed.
“We must of necessity emulate what our brothers and sisters in Ijesaland are doing if we must accelerate the growth and development we desire as a people for Iragbiji land.
“Our greatest strength and potential lie with us. We possess all that we need to put Iragbiji on a steady and sustainable path of development and progress. Let us continue to discover the best of us to attain the best that we need, starting with cultivating our youths to achieve our progressive ideals.
“We must continue to wear the armour of love and peace as we seek the tool of development for our collective good,” Oyetola added.
Governor Oyetola expressed his gratitude to the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulrasheed Ayo Olabomi, Odundun IV, the Planning Committee and all sons and daughters of Iragbiji for the annual invitation extended to him as the Chief Host at the historic event in the past four years of his administration.
In his welcome address, the chairman, Iragbiji Day 2022 Planning Committee, Mr. Remi Agboola, said Iragbiji Day is a symbol of remembrance of the heroic deeds of the past leaders of the town and that it is what makes the day very significant to all sons and daughters of the ancient town. He thanked all those that have been identifying with Iragbiji and all her developmental strides.
He called for generous donations to the purse of the town so that other complimentary projects of the town’s association can be completed.
Dr. Raheem Olanrewaju, the national chairman, Iragbiji Indigenes Association (IIA) in his welcome address urged all indigenes of Iragbiji to always see the development of the town as the task for all; and as such,contribute their quota to it.
The chairman of the occasion, Chief Murtada Adeniji eulogises Gov. Oyetola for his prudence and ingenious ways of handling the state finances saying, he is a good ambassador of the Iragbiji town.
He said history will record him on a golden page.
After announcing his donation to the Iragbiji town, he urged all bigwigs present to also follow his step by donating generously to the town.
Various donations of compounds, individuals, corporate bodies were announced. Among dignitaries who graced the occasion is the wife of the governor, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola, the SSG, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, cabinet members, royal fathers, captains of industries among many others.
