…Akpabio Promises More Developmental Projects In Ekiti
…Says Festival Major Tourism Attraction
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio described the annual Udiroko cultural festival bring celebrated by the people of Ado-Ekiti ,as a major tourism attraction.
Akpabio, who was represented at the ocassion by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, also described the Udiroko Festival as “a wonderful festival, a major tourist event, and a significant tourism attraction” that every tourist will cherish.
“Udiroko Festival is a wonderful event, a major tourist attraction, a significant tourism asset.
“I will emphasize and call the attention of others to the importance of coming here to observe this festival because it is something everyone will cherish.
“We will do everything in our power to ensure that federal projects are attracted to this state.
“In the 2025 appropriation act, something substantial will be included in the budget for Ekiti State,” Barau added.
Also speaking the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, said that the National Assembly, through the 2025 budget appropriation act, will bring more federal developmental projects to Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
Bamidele gave this assurance on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti during the grand finale of the Udiroko 2024 Festival, themed “Sustaining the Celebration of Our Historical Heritage and Cultural Essence as a Collective.”
The federal lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District emphasized the significance of the festival, noting that it reflects the true culture of Ekiti indigenes and residents.
He commended the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, for his support of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government at both the state and federal levels.
His words, “Udiroko is now popular across Ekiti. We thank God that our Kabiyesi is doing well as a leader.
“I thank our Kabiyesi for his support of the government at the federal and especially our state here, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
“We will reciprocate with developmental projects in Ado Kingdom. Both the Deputy Senate President and I will ask the Senate President to be specific about which projects will he brought to Ado-Ekiti in the 2025 budget allocation.
“We will also ask our colleagues, whom are being honored here, about the projects they are bringing to this place.”
At the event the quartet of Senator Akpabio, his deputy , Senator Jibrin Barau, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and the Senator representing Ogun West, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, donated N110 million to support to support the development of Ado Ekiti.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, expressed gratitude to the traditional institution in the state for its support of his administration, stressing that their collaboration has been a major factor in its success.
He also reinstated his commitment to bringing developmental projects to Ekiti.
The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, described the festival as a platform that provides ample opportunities for Ado-Ekiti indigenes and takes pride in the history, culture, and traditions of its people.
The monarch also used the opportunity to declare October 18 as Afe Babalola Day and appeal to Ekiti residents to endure the effects of the current economic hardship, assuring them that the challenges will soon be alleviated by the policies of President Bola Tinubu.
“I want to use this medium to appeal to all and sundry to sacrificially endure the current pains associated with the bold, critical economic initiatives of President Tinubu. These pains shall soon be alleviated by the necessary policy attention of the government at all levels.
“That being said, I hereby call on the government to put in place measures targeting the current trauma of the citizenry.
“I am confident that this call will receive the critical attention it deserves, given the presence of the nation’s frontline legislators here with us today.
“In addition, I urge the government to engage all critical stakeholders, particularly labor leaders and employers, in its efforts to assuage the feelings of the populace,” the monarch added.
In his reaction, the initiator of Afe Babalola Day since 2013, Chief Ogunniyi Morakinyo Kayegbo, said he is happy that EWI of Ado Ekiti endorsed Afe Babalola Day.
Brief about the Afe Babalola Hall of Fame and Garden
The Afe Babalola Hall of Fame and Garden, Hillside, Okemesi, Ekiti State, Nigeria, was funded by Ambassador Aare Afe Babalola’s Beneficiaries, Ambassadors, and fans all over the world to honor his installation as the Jagunmolu Atuluse of Okemesiland on December 11, 2018.
It is where you conduct study on what you need to know about a living legend, Afe Babalola, world philanthropists, inventors, and world leaders who have stood for mankind. It is an attractive location for excursions and social gatherings.
He said Afe Babalola Beneficiaries Worldwide that started the celebration also established Afe Babalola Hall of Fame at Hillside, Okemesi Ekiti and that the place has become one of the most visited tourist centers in Nigeria.
