Adebayo Adenrele
…Udiroko festival is a major tourism attraction – Deputy Senate President
…as Fayose endorses Oyebanji for second term
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has stated 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 2024 Udiroko 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.”
In his remarks, the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, 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
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who congratulated Oba Adejugbe and Ado Ekiti indigenes for the success of the annual event, described the Ado-Ekiti monarch as a beacon of wisdom and leadership, whose influence has significantly contributed to the peace and stability of the town.
Oyebanji called on all Ado-Ekiti descendants home and in the Diaspora to use the platform provided by the Udiroko festival to strengthen the bonds of love, empathy, and brotherhood that bind them.
The state’s helmsman reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting cultural values and supporting initiatives that would enhance the socio-economic development of the state.
“I congratulate you Kabiyesi. This is extremely beautiful and I thank God I am here today, your time is good for us in Ekiti and in Ado Ekiti and it will continue to please us, I pray for long life for you on the throne, you have toiled for this state, the state will serve you and this state will make you proud. I am so happy that Udiroko is taking an international dimension during your time.”
Former Governor Ayodele Fayose declared support for the Governor’s second term bid, saying he looked forward to seeing Oyebanji as Governor of Ekiti State till 2030, based on his excellent performance coupled with his deep understanding of governance.
“Kabiyesi I congratulate you on the success of this year’s Udiroko Festival and I look forward to seeing you and Governor Oyebanji during next year’s edition. In 2025, I will attend and I will see you and the Governor; in 2026, I will attend and celebrate with you and Governor Oyebanji; In 2027, I will see you and the Governor; in 2028, I will see you and the Governor; in 2029, I will see you and the Governor. In 2030, I will attend, I will celebrate with you and tell Governor Oyebanji, welldone.”
In his speech, 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 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.