Toyyibat Qasim
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adeola Matemilola, has disclosed that development initiatives implemented through the Owu Heritage Initiative have impacted more than 200,000 people, with interventions spanning education, healthcare, youth development, women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability.
The monarch called for increased investment in education, improved healthcare delivery, job creation and enterprise development, stressing that collective efforts were necessary to address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges and secure a better future for younger generations.
Matemilola disclosed this during a press briefing to herald the 2026 Odun Omo Olowu Festival, where he outlined the achievements of the initiative through collaborations with more than 10 strategic partners.
According to him, the initiative has provided educational support to more than 800 senior secondary school students, distributed over 13,000 school meals and conducted more than 2,000 medical outreaches.
He added that 135 youths had benefited from vocational training, while more than 250 women’s empowerment projects had been undertaken to improve livelihoods and strengthen economic opportunities within the community.
The monarch further disclosed that clean-water projects implemented under the initiative had reached more than 80,000 people across 50 communities.
He identified the renovation and commissioning of the Owu Igosun Primary Health Centre, alongside ongoing work on the Olomore Hospital project, as significant steps towards improving access to healthcare and enhancing the well-being of residents.
Matemilola urged government authorities, corporate organisations, philanthropists and community stakeholders to intensify their support for programmes that would improve living conditions, expand access to essential services and create sustainable opportunities for young people.
He said, “Let us continue to promote education, improve our healthcare, support enterprise growth, protect our environment and create opportunities for the next generation.”
Monarch warns youths against vote buying
Meanwhile, the Towulade of Owu Akinale in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Oluseyi Adediran, has warned Nigerian youths against selling their votes or allowing politicians to exploit them for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The traditional ruler urged young people to reject financial inducements and assess the character, competence and track records of political aspirants before deciding whom to support.
He warned that exchanging votes for temporary financial benefits could mortgage the future of young Nigerians and undermine efforts to elect credible leaders capable of delivering good governance.
Adediran gave the warning during the briefing to herald the 2026 Odun Omo Olowu Festival, stressing that young people should not allow themselves to become instruments for advancing the selfish interests of politicians.
He said electoral choices should be guided by the credibility, character and capacity of candidates rather than the financial inducements they offer voters.
“Our youths should not be used in any form for political campaigns. They should sit down and go through the profiles of the people they are voting for. Who are they? Where are they coming from? What have they done that you have to vote for them?” the monarch asked.
Expressing concern over vote buying and the manipulation of young people during electioneering, Adediran said prioritising immediate financial gains over credible leadership could perpetuate the country’s development challenges.
He maintained that the money offered by politicians during elections was insignificant compared with the long-term consequences of electing leaders who might fail to meet the expectations of the electorate.
“Temporary money is nothing. They should not allow themselves to be used for temporary money,” he warned.
The monarch urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in the 2027 elections, while encouraging them to mobilise others to fulfil their civic responsibilities.
“Get your PVC. On election day, go there and do your bidding. Encourage others to vote. That should be your assignment,” he said.
He also called on parents, teachers and community leaders to intensify efforts to instil discipline, integrity and responsible citizenship in young people, noting that the values imparted to the younger generation would shape the future of society.
Adediran further urged voters to hold political aspirants accountable for their campaign promises, past performances and capacity to deliver, stressing that responsible electoral choices were essential to sustainable national development.
On the cultural significance of the celebration, Matemilola said the Odun Omo Olowu Festival provided an opportunity to celebrate Owu history, preserve its traditions, strengthen unity and renew the kingdom’s commitment to community development.
The 2026 edition, themed “Awakening to Action: Strengthening the Owu Legacy,” is scheduled to run from October 19 to October 31.
The 13-day celebration features interfaith prayers, youth sporting activities, a symposium, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the Owu Muslim Hospital.
Other activities include visits to Apomu, Erunmu, Orile Ifo and Abule Owu, the Ogbe Festival, project commissioning, chieftaincy installations, the Ajibosin colloquium and the Oritafisewe and Awards event.
The festival will culminate in a grand finale on Saturday, October 31.
Matemilola urged young people to participate actively in the celebration, describing them as future custodians of Owu history, traditions and cultural identity.
He also acknowledged the contributions of his wives, Olori Adijat Bamidele Matemilola and Olori Cecilia Naadensua Matemilola, to initiatives promoting education, girls’ rights, women’s empowerment, youth leadership, entrepreneurship and cultural development.
The monarch called on members of the kingdom to uphold the values of unity, integrity and communal responsibility, emphasising that preserving cultural heritage required more than celebrating the achievements of past generations.
“Our heritage is both a gift and a responsibility. We honour our forebears not only by remembering their achievements but also by building upon them,” he said.
He urged residents and stakeholders to sustain their support for development initiatives and work collectively towards building a prosperous kingdom for present and future generations.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
'