Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged sons and daughters of Ilisan-Remo to embrace unity and collective effort in transforming the town’s cultural heritage, describing tourism and cultural preservation as vital tools for empowerment and economic growth.
The governor made this call on Saturday at the 48th Isanbi Day and Homecoming Week, themed “Ilisan: Rooted in Heritage, Rising by Self-Help”, held at Ilisan High School, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Abiodun said the annual festival reflects the communal love, unity, and peaceful coexistence that define the people of Ilisan-Remo.
He congratulated the Olofin of Ilisan-Remo, Oba Michael Sonuga, for preserving the cherished cultural traditions of the town.
The governor also described the 2025 edition as a “special homecoming” for his wife, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, who hails from the ancient town.
According to him, her contributions and passion for community development reflect the values and determination that define Ilisan-Remo.
“Every community that has thrived did so because its people worked together for the common good, and Ilisan-Remo is a shining example of that truth,” Abiodun said.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to boosting investment, commerce, and tourism in the state, the governor listed the reconstruction of the Ilishan–Ilara–Akaka–Ode Remo Road and the ongoing Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport project as critical infrastructure opening up access and creating opportunities for residents.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said was rekindling faith in Nigeria through reforms in the economy, infrastructure, and food security.
Abiodun further hailed the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her women-focused empowerment initiatives that continue to impact families across the country.
The event, attended by dignitaries from across the South-West and beyond, had Senator Oluremi Tinubu represented by Mrs. Temitope Adeola, wife of Senator Solomon Adeola.
In her goodwill message, she lauded Ilisan people for sustaining the town’s cultural heritage for nearly five decades and praised Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun for prioritising women empowerment in line with the Federal Government’s programmes.
Also addressing the gathering, Mrs. Abiodun congratulated the monarch and indigenes on the 48th anniversary of Isanbi Day, urging unity, love, and continuous development in Ilisan-Remo.
In his royal address, Oba Sonuga charged indigenes to deepen the spirit of togetherness and uphold peace, stressing that “no community develops in an atmosphere of division.”
Earlier, Chairman of the Ilisan Development Association, Aare Wemmy Olumide Osude, reminded the people that the future of Ilisan rests on their collective resolve to promote justice, tolerance, and equity.
The event drew prominent dignitaries including the First Ladies of Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, and Imo states—Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, Mrs. Esther Aiyedatiwa, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, and Barr. Chioma Uzodimma respectively. Others in attendance were Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, former Ogun deputies Alhaja Salmot Badru and Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga, as well as Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi.
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