Alaafin Rolls Out Developmental Programmes For Oyo, As Birthday and Wedding Anniversary Kickoff
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has outlined his progressive and developmental initiatives for the people of Oyo.
The laudable plans include trainings and vocational activities for both the skilled and unskilled youths in the town, establishment of center for the Craftsmen and women, renovation of world class Alaafia Palace, sustaining and uplifting of cultural festivals, among others.
Oba Owoade, who announced the initiatives at the World Press Conference held in his Boroboro residence palace as part of activities marking his 50th birthday anniversary and 19th wedding anniversary, said some of the initiative has commenced.
The top traditional rulers further added that the planned developmental programmes will be extended to other sections such as sports, especially football.
For instance, the revered monarch revealed his plan to establish a football team capable of competing both locally and on Continental levels while efforts are ongoing to renovate the popular Durbar Stadium to meet global standard.
On infrastructure, Alaafin said he has reached out to the appropriate authorities on the fixing and reconnecting the deplorable roads in Oyo Town.
"The reconstruction of new and modern Alaafin palace is currently ongoing, to give the palace a royal befitting outlook. We are in talks with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) on how to address many challenges facing us in Oyo Town and it can help us out
"Ok sports, I am a lover of football, efforts are ongoing in that direction too to upgrade our stadium, have a football team that will compete at all levels
"As custodian of tradition and culture, my predecessor has done well in this regard, all I need to do is to take it up from where he stopped and to make our festivals such as Egungun which started few days ago, and others like Sango to be a world class", he said.
Oba Owoade, however, advised the youths to shun any form of social vices capable of destroying their future.
The monarch recalled how a background check was unknowingly to him by the security agencies during his quest to ascend the throne but nothing incriminating was found against him in the course of the investigation.
"Our youth must be mindful of the impact their actions today can have on their future, they must shun all vices and illegal activities because of their tomorrow
"Background checks were conducted on me right from my primary and secondary schools days in Saki, to my days at the polytechnic Ibadan as well as during my post graduate days abroad but I thank God I was not found wanting whatsoever
Speaking earlier, Ayaba Abiwumi narrated how she met with Kabiyesi and their journey till when they got married in 2006.
Both the Kabiyesi and Olori thanked their maker for the journey so far as there were no regrets on their marital decision.
"I met Kabiyesi during his undergraduate days but because I can from a disciplinarian family, I gave him a tough times but due his insistence we finally got married and I never regret marrying him"
"I got to know about his royal background about four years ago but since I met him, he has the royal aura all over him, Kabiyesi is a go-getter, well determined individual and results oriented personality who has helped me to achieve so much in life
"We are looking forward to seeing people celebrating with us on Saturday when we will be having the grand finale of the double celebrations", Olori Concluded.
