Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes on Monday paid homage to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin in continuation of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival.
“In his message, the Chairman of 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola delivered the congratulatory messages on behalf of the President General CCII, Chief Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole and his executives and informed the Kabiyesi that the President General was on another Ibadan assignment to the UK.
He said the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee were paying homage to Kabiyesi on behalf of the President General CCII and the entire Executive Council.
Following the presentation of the final program of events to the Kabiyesi, Balogun Ojetola also register appreciation on behalf of the President General and the entire Ibadan people to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Oluwaseyi Abiodun MAKINDE FNSE, DSC, GSSRS for his achievement on the recently commissioned Aafin Ile Ibadan.
He reiterated the commitment of the President General CCII to mobilise His Imperial Majesty to the new palace immediately on his return to the country.
His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1 praised almighty God for the uncommon mercy God has bestowed on him. He also thanked His Excellency the Executive Governor for his love and support for Ibadanland in general. The Kabiyesi praised the Ajewole led executive council for their uncommon passion and the mission to place Ibadanland in its right leadership position.
Kabiyesi expressly blessed the visiting 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee members and pledged to support and participate actively in the programs of Ibadan Cultural Festival.
Prince Sunmbo Olakulehin gave the votes of thanks before the visiting team were given a generous reception.
Southwest Nigeria pulsates with entrepreneurial energy. From bustling marketplaces like Agbowo Market in ibadan, Bodija market ibadan, idumota in the land known for its excellence, Sasa market in Osogbo and myriads of SMEs to the high-tech startups in Lagos, SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) are the backbone of the region’s economy. But what does it take to succeed in this vibrant yet challenging landscape? Let’s delve into the opportunities and hurdles faced by SMEs in southwest Nigeria, drawing inspiration from local success stories and offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Access to Finance: Securing funding remains a major roadblock for SMEs in Southwest Nigeria. Despite the critical role these enterprises play in driving economic growth and job creation, they often struggle to obtain the necessary financial resources . High-interest rates imposed by banks and financial institutions make borrowing expensive and almost impossible. Additionally, the loan application process is often cumbersome and bureaucratic, discouraging many small business owners from even attempting to secure funding. This lack of access to affordable finance can stifle growth, prevent expansion, and limit the ability to invest in new technologies or hire additional staff. For many SMEs, the financial barriers become insurmountable, leading to stagnation or even business failure. Click here to learn more: ResearchGate: Challenges to Nigerian SMEs – Expert 1 (SMEDAN South-West Director viewpoints) Infrastructure Constraints: The operational efficiency of SMEs in Southwest Nigeria is severely hindered by poor infrastructure. An unreliable power supply is one of the most significant issues, as frequent power outages disrupt production schedules, increase operational costs due to the need for alternative power sources like generators, and reduce overall productivity . Moreover, poor transportation networks complicate the logistics of moving goods and services, both for sourcing raw materials and delivering finished products to markets. Inadequate access to modern technology further exacerbates these challenges, as it limits the ability of SMEs to adopt efficient business practices, engage in e-commerce, or utilize advanced manufacturing techniques. These infrastructure constraints collectively pose significant obstacles to the growth and competitiveness of SMEs in the region .
Limited Business Skills: A significant barrier to the growth of SMEs in Southwest Nigeria is the limited business skills among entrepreneurs and their staff. Many small business owners lack formal training in critical areas such as marketing, finance, and human resource management . This skill gap can result in poor business planning, inadequate financial management, ineffective marketing strategies, and suboptimal human resource practices. Without the necessary skills, SMEs struggle to innovate, attract and retain customers, manage their finances efficiently, and expand their operations. Investing in business education and training programs tailored to the needs of small business owners could help bridge this gap and unlock the growth potential of SMEs in the region . Opportunities Abound: Large Market: Nigeria boasts a massive population with a growing middle class, presenting a vast potential customer base for innovative products and services . (Click to learn more: https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/) Government Initiatives: The Nigerian government and regional bodies like the DAWN Commission offer various programs to support SMEs, including access to loans, training workshops, and business development services [5, 6]. (Cliick to learn more: https://dawncommission.org/) E-commerce Boom: The rise of e-commerce platforms provides SMEs with a cost-effective way to reach a wider audience. (Click to learn more: https://www.jumia.com.ng/) Cultural Richness: Southwest Nigeria’s unique culture fosters a thriving creative industry, with opportunities for businesses in fashion, music, and art. (Click to learn more: https://creativeconomy.britishcouncil.org/places/nigeria/). Venturing Beyond Ibadan: The entrepreneurial spirit extends throughout southwest Nigeria. Here’s a glimpse into some of the vibrant marketplaces you might encounter in different regions: Lagos: Home to the iconic Alaba International Market, a titan in the electronics industry. This sprawling complex caters to a global clientele, showcasing the scale and ambition of Lagos’s business scene. Abeokuta: Known for the Itoku Market, Abeokuta is famous for its rich cultural heritage. Itoku Market is the heart of the indigenous Adire textile industry. Adire is a traditional Yoruba fabric dyed in unique patterns, and this market is the go-to destination for both locals and tourists seeking these beautifully crafted textiles. The market also offers a variety of other goods, including traditional arts and crafts, making it a hub of cultural and economic activity. Osogbo: In Osogbo, the Ayegbaju International Market stands out as a major commercial center. This market is known for its diverse range of products, including agricultural produce, clothing, and household items. It serves as a vital trading post for the people of Osun State and beyond. The Ayegbaju International Market also plays a significant role in the local economy, providing livelihoods for numerous traders and artisans. Akure: Akure boasts the bustling Oba Adesida Market, which is a focal point of commercial activities in Ondo State. This market is renowned for its variety of fresh produce, grains, and traditional Yoruba spices. It is a key destination for both wholesale and retail buyers, and it plays an essential role in the food supply chain of the region. The vibrancy of Oba Adesida Market reflects the agricultural richness and trading acumen of the local populace.
Oyo: In Oyo, the Akesan Market, also known as the “king’s market,” is a historic and culturally significant marketplace. It is one of the oldest markets in the region and is famous for its wide array of goods, ranging from traditional clothing and jewelry to local foodstuffs and crafts. The market serves as a central point for trade within the ancient town and attracts buyers and sellers from neighboring areas, maintaining its reputation as a vital economic hub. These marketplaces highlight the dynamic and diverse nature of commerce in Southwest Nigeria, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Writer: JEREMIAH SOLOMON JONATHAN EMAIL: digitaljerry246@gmail.com
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has announced plans to host 2024 Amala Day and Fuji Festival, a celebration of Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage.
The event, scheduled to take place on 24th July 2024, promises to be a vibrant showcase of the city’s unique traditions, music, and cuisine.The festival will kick off with an opening prayer, followed by the recitation of the Ibadan Anthem and recognitions.
The President-General of CCII, Chief Barr Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, will deliver the opening speech, while the Chairman of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, will give a welcome address. The Chairman of the Occasion will then declare the program open.The highlight of the event will be the “Taste of Amala” segment, where distinguished guests, including the President-General, the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Chairman, and the Chairman of the Occasion, will savor the delicious Ibadan delicacy, Amala.
The FUMAN music group will provide entertainment throughout the event, with performances before and after the “Taste of Amala” segment. The Royal Father of the Day is His Excellency, the former Governor of Oyo State, Agba Oye Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja.The Special Guest of Honour is the Deputy Governor of the State.Other distinguished dignitaries expected to grace the occasion include, Aare Onibon Balogun, Chief Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke, Chairman/CEO of Solution FM and many other esteemed guests.The festival will also feature decorations, donations, and an appreciation of sponsors and donors. Remarks will be given by Chef Mrs Idowu Olaide Lawal GAIC, followed by a grand finale of music and entertainment.Awardees for this year are; Alhaji Rasheed Ayinde Merege, Alhaji Tajudeen System, Alhaji Taye Adebisi Currency, Alhaja Amudalat Iyadunni, President Food Vendors Oyo State, Alhaji Omolewa Tomiwa , PMS Chairman Oyo State and Head of Hair Beauticians Oyo State.
The event will feature a cultural display at Mapo Hall, showcasing a variety of food options until noon. The grand finale will take place at Ibadan House, Oke Àrèmo, where the awardees will be honoured for their contributions to the community.The Amala Day and Fuji Festival promises to be a memorable celebration of Ibadan’s cultural heritage, promoting unity and pride among the people of Ibadan.Mark your calendars and join the celebration
Chief Mrs Abegbo Lawal on behalf of no woman no Nation Renewed Hope has felicitated the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin 1, on becoming the substantive 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Mrs Lawal in her congratulatory message on behalf of her group also commend High Chief Rasheed Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan for his brilliancy and vibrancy on issues that affect Ibadan land.
“On behalf of no woman no Nation Renewed Hope, we rejoice with the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin 1, and pray for a successful reign for Kabiesi.”We equally acknowledged and appreciated our father, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rasheed Ladoja for his steadfastness, uprightness, brilliancy and vibrancy when it comes to issues that affect Ibadanland, we are proud to have him as our father, and pray to God to continue to speare his life for good things”
The leader of Market women in Oyo State, Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje has congratulated the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland on his coronation and presentation of Staff of Office.
Alhaja Saratu described Oba Owolabi Olakulehin ascension as fulfilment of destiny, and pray to that Kabiesi reign will be long and Ibadan will know it for better.
“I felicitate our reverend Kabiesi, today’s is historic in the history of Ibadan and the Olakulehin family as a whole, it signify a new beginning, and as we rejoice with Oba Owolabi Olakulehin we pray to God to grant him a long and peaceful reign”
The Governor of of Oyo state, Engr. Seyi Makinde has presented staff and instruments of office to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1.
Makinde, made the presentation on Friday, July 12, during a ceremony at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan.
Makinde, while making the presentation, said: “They said they want to sabotage, they want to sabotage, we are here today at Mapo Hall.“I, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State by the virtue of power conferred on me, hereby present the staff of office to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland”
Dignitaries presents includes the President and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu ably represented by the Minister for Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, Gov. of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Oni of Ife among others.
The Egbeda Youth Forum has felicitates with Hon. Lekan Bello the People’s Democratic Party Oyo Central Youth Leader on the occasion of his birth anniversary.
The group in a press statement released and signed by their Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ayoade Adewale and made available to newsmen described Hon. Lekan Bello as an agent of change committed to the development of human capacity whose journey has been an inspiration to the youth of Egbeda and Oyo State.
“Today, we celebrate our leader, whose life has been an inspiration to all of us, his commitment to the development of young people is second to none, and we thank God for his life”
“Your dedication to youth empowerment, and community development has been a source of inspiration for us all. Your leadership within the PDP has not only strengthened our party but has also provided a platform for the youth to actively engage in the political process and drive positive change”
The group thereafter pray to God to grant him long life, more wisdom and fulfilment of heart desires.
“On this special day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your exemplary service and leadership. We wish you continued success, good health, and boundless happiness in the years ahead. May your path be filled with even greater achievements and may you continue to inspire and uplift those around you”
Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Chief Bode Amao, members of the Olubadan-in-Council led other dignitaries from all walks of life to the event.
Oba Olakulehin was represented by the Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Adebimpe who presented a speech on his behalf.
The Nation reports that the Olubadan-designate has been in seclusion ahead of the Friday coronation as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Former Oyo Governor, who is also a member of the Olubadan-in-Council, Senator Rashidi Ladoja was absent at the event.
The new structure is the second but newest modern Palace to be inhabited by the Olubadan located at the Oke Aremo area of the capital city.
The Nation reports that the first ultra modern Olubadan Palace situated at Oja’ba was constructed and commissioned over four decades ago. But lack of space and other logistics challenges necessitated the construction of another Palace which was hugely facilitated by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigene (CCII).
Speaking at the Commissioning, Makinde thanked every indigene who had contributed to make the project a reality.
He thanked his predecessor in office, late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi for taking the bold step that set the project in motion. He said the second phase of the palace project will see to the renovation of the Bowers Tower, to attract tourist to visit the palace and the state, adding that he will expand the economy of the state through tourism. Ladoja absent as Makinde commissions new Olubadan Palace He added that a maintenance mechanism to ensure the palace is well maintained has also been put in place with monthly contributions expected from the 11 local government areas in Ibadan.
Makinde said: “This palace, we have put in place a maintenance system b3caueevwhat usually affects project as like is poor maintenance and we have as ked the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland to bring something every month to maintain the palace. “The nearby Bowers Tower, we will fix it because tourism is one ofbthe things we would use to expand our economy and that will be part of the second phase of this project.
“I thank all those who have put innefforts that culminate in this palace today,, but there are two people I want to thank specifically for their roles and effort in actualisation this project.
“First, I want to thank my predecessor in office, late former governor Abiola Ajimobi. He was bold in his action by kickstartjng the process..
“The second person I want to thank is Chief Bode Amao. He contributed so much in all areas and I recognise that he is an asset to Oyo stateband Nigeria as a whole.
“For all Ibadan indigenes who contributed to the success and actualisation of this project, I thank you all.
Oba Olakulehin said the idea of the palace was conceived nine years ago during the time of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Olakulehin, who was represented by Oba Lateef Adebimpe, noted that former Governor Rashidi Ladoja gave approval of the allocation of land for the Palace. He said the story of the palace will not be complete without appreciating effort of governor Makinde, adding that Ibadan will remain greatful for the effort of the governor towards the completion of the project. He however said no palace in Southwest can compete with the newly commissioned palace
Some of the dignitaries who attended the event include: Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; Secretary to State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo; Oyo Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin who was represented by his Deputy among other top government functionaries.
The list also include Ex-First Lady, Mutiat Ladoja; former Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarunmi; Chief Adebayo Akande and his wife, Chief Mrs Onikepo, former and serving Presidents General of the CCII, Chief Bayo Oyero, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, Senator Kola Baolgun, former Minister of Sports, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, Chairman 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola among others.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, under the Leadership of Chief Barr Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole has announced a shift in time for the commissioning of the new ultra modern palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland previously scheduled for 10am today.
According to a statement made available to news, the CCII regretted any inconveniences the shift in time might cause people, and requested for peoples understanding.
The statement reads:
“This is to inform all invited guests, groups, clubs, associations as well as the general public that due to unforeseen circumstances, we regret to announce that the commissioning of the new ultra modern Olubadan palace, earlier scheduled for 10 o’clock tomorrow morning, Wednesday, has been shifted to 3 o’clock in the afternoon.“Any inconveniences occasioned by this sudden unforseen change of time are deeply regretted, just as your absolute understanding with the anticipated cooperation is highly appreciated.”
Ajewole added that the new time for the commissioning is now 3pm on Wednesday, July 10th, 2024.The new ultramodern palace is located on the hill of Oke Aremo, Ibadan, and the new Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin is expected to be the first king to occupy the palace.Ọba Olakulehin will be corronated on Friday, July 12th, 2024.
A CALL TO HONOR YOUR PROMISE: THE DOOR TO DOOR TEAM’S APPEAL
Your Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde,
We, the devoted members of the Door to Door group, write to you with immense pride and a deep sense of accomplishment. Our collective efforts played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of your campaign during the 2023 general elections. Our commitment spanned across all 33 Local Government Areas of our beloved state, embodying our unwavering belief in your vision and leadership.
Our journey was driven by the promise of a brighter future for our state under your esteemed leadership. We walked tirelessly, spoke passionately, and worked diligently, driven by our shared goal of seeing you continue to lead us toward progress and prosperity. The bond we formed with the people of Oyo State during this campaign was strengthened by our dedication to your cause and the assurance of your support.
Your Excellency, you promised to remember and reward our hard work within your government. This promise has been a beacon of hope and motivation for every member of our group. As we now look to the future, we humbly remind you of this commitment. The diversity and reach of our members across the state reflect a broad spectrum of skills, experiences, and unwavering dedication that can significantly contribute to the continued success of your administration.
We believe that fulfilling this promise will not only honor our efforts but also strengthen the trust and solidarity between your administration and the grassroots supporters who have been instrumental in your journey. Our passion for serving our state and supporting your vision remains as strong as ever. We are eager to contribute to the transformative agenda that you have set for Oyo State.
Your Excellency, as you continue to steer our state towards greater heights, we respectfully request that you consider integrating the members of the Door to Door group into your administration. Our commitment to your leadership and the development of Oyo State is unwavering, and we are ready to serve in any capacity that you deem fit.
Thank you for your attention and continued dedication to the progress of Oyo State.
