It all ended in praise…..Praise the Lord
“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” —Marcel Proust
Yes, you made us happy and you made our souls blossom.
That this year 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival has come and ended in glory is enough reason to show gratitude to God almighty and everyone who has participated and, or contributed to the success story. You are all the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
To His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde FNSE, DSC, GSSRS and the First Lady, Engineer Olufunke Tamunominini Makinde who was conferred with the Most Outstanding Wife of Ibadanland, MOWI and His Excellency , the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Barrister AbdRaheem Adebayo Lawal, who was also conferred with the Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadanland, MOFI during the Grand Finale at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium has become a landmark history making in any Ibadan Cultural Festival anniversary ever experienced. To God be the glory.
To our Kabiyesi, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1 , and the Olubadan -in – Council, the Iyalode in Council, the Mogajis, Baales and all the Senior Chiefs, we thank you all.
Particular mention must be made of His Excellency, the Former Governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja whose sponsorship of some of our programs as well as his physical attendance and participation at this year’s festival was highly remarkable. K’eepe O Baba
To Her Excellency, wife of the former Governor, Chief Mrs Olayinka Mutiat Ladoja, Grand Ambassador of Ibadan Culture and Special Guest of Honour of the events whose singular efforts contributed immensely to the success story of this year’s celebration, I will forever remain grateful and on behalf of us all, I say Thank you Ma. A yoo maa ri yin ba O. Ase
To His Eminence, Alhaji Chief Dawood Makanjuola Akinola De-Damak, Aare of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Aare of Ibadanland and Grand Commander of Ibadan Culture GCIC whose generous donation of an 18 Seater Bus and huge cash donation towards the success of this year’s Ibadan Cultural Festival is commendable and much appreciated.
The Jagun Olubadan, Apesin Ola, Sir Chief ‘Dotun Sanusi , Chairman and CEO Ilaji Hotels and Resorts supported us with the use of the entire Ilaji Facilities for this year’s Sports Finals and the Business Luncheon programs. We can not quantify these wholesome package in monetary value. Thank you Sir and God will continue to elevate you.
I must not forget to mention the uncommon support received from the Chairman, Solution FM and the Aare Onibon Balogun of Ibadanland, Oloye Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke FCA whose physical appearances as well as huge monetary supports has helped tremendously in setting the bar higher for this year’s Cultural Festival. Oloye Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke, E se pupo, A dupe O.
The President, Ibadan Descendants Union USA, who is also the Ajia Olubadan of Ibadanland did not only led a powerful tream from the USA, he also attracted big support as well as his physical presence in virtually all our programs, Oloye Abiola Iyiola, K’ara O le O.
To all our worthy and deserving Awardees from Grand Ambassadors of Ibadan Culture to the Fellowship awardees, through Business Luncheon to the Merit awards at the Grand Finale, we congratulate you for being considered to be so celebrated and honored by Ibadanland. Congratulations to you all.
To the Baba-lojas, Mama Lojas, the Warlord Families, all affiliate clubs and associations home and abroad, we congratulate you all for taking ownership of the whole event as the hosting authority. Congratulations and thank you all.
The degree of media coverage we enjoyed at this year’s events is massive and phenomenon. We thank all the media houses in Ibadanland and beyond. God bless you all.
To our individual sponsors as well as corporate partners, we remain indebted to you and pray that our relationship will blossom into permanent investment that will be beneficial to both sides.
I must not fail to honour our religious leaders and particularly His Eminence, Prelate Sunday Ola Makinde whose fatherly support can not be over emphasised. E se pupo Baba. E.ma pe fun wa O.
To all the Past President Generals and members of the BoT CCII , thank you for being there always for us.
To all the members of this year Planning Committee whose labour, dedication, commitment and financial support can only be imagined, I owe you a lot and pray that God almighty will compensate you beyond any human expectations.
To the Chief Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole CCII EXCO led administration for believing in our capacity and strength, we appreciate and congratulate you on this achievement.
Permit me however to register my profound gratitude to this man I call ‘President General Oloriire’ for supporting me throughout on the assignment which he gave me for without such immense support we couldn’t have recorded this massive success story. My PG Sir, E se pupo. A dupe O. Olorun yoo maa ran Eyin naa l’owo. Aamin
For all that you have committed to the success of this year Ibadan Cultural Festival celebration, please accept our gratitude and we pray for God abundance mercy on us and on Ibadanland.
Lastly, had my wife and children refused to release me for the service of my fatherland, how would I have the opportunity to play this little role. Kikelomo Ajike , Asaaju Iyalode of Ojeniranland and my beautiful children, Ibadanland appreciate you all. Thank you
To God almighty once again. E se O Baba.
E se pupo, A dupe O.
Balogun Gaphar Ojetola
Chairman, 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival