The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, has been installed as the Asiwaju Agbaakin of Owu-Akinale by the Towulade of Owu-Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Adediran.

 

The installation, was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life , it also featured the conferment of chieftaincy titles on other distinguished personalities in recognition of their contributions to the development of the ancient community.

 

Speaking during the ceremony, which attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, dignitaries and other stakeholders, Oba Adediran said Olanrewaju’s installation was in recognition of his commitment to community development and service.

 

The monarch appreciated guests for attending the event and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the image and development of Owu-Akinale.

 

He highlighted a number of ongoing developmental projects in the community, including a free medical outreach organised as part of the installation activities. According to him, the outreach featured tuberculosis screening and the distribution of free medication with support from the United Nations.

 

Oba Adediran also commended members of the Adebayo family, particularly Engr. Oluwole Babatunde Adebayo, the Akogun of Owu-Akinale, for rebuilding the Baptist Church, Owu-Akinale, and constructing a new pastorium for the Christian community.

 

The monarch equally praised Prince Babajide Adeoye Akinyemi, Chief Executive Officer of the Mogbadewa Foundation, for renovating the community’s town hall into a modern palace.

 

“You remodelled and completely renovated our ancient and dilapidated Town Hall, whose foundation was laid on April 7, 1978, into a befitting and modern palace. We remain eternally grateful. May God meet all your heart’s desires,” he said.

 

On healthcare, the Towulade disclosed that the Owu-Akinale Health Centre, whose foundation was laid on the day of his coronation by the Olowu of Owu, had been adopted by Chief and Mrs Yemi Odebiyi, the Asoludero of Owu-Akinale, in memory of their parents.

 

He said the facility would be named Aduni Olufunmilayo Makinde Clinic, Owu-Akinale, adding that it is expected to be commissioned in December.

 

The monarch further disclosed that Stellar Steel Company had partnered with the Towulade Educational Trust Fund to provide school bags for pupils of Baptist Primary School, Owu-Akinale, while the company had also undertaken the construction of the community’s police station, which he said was about 70 per cent completed.

 

In his remarks, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, lauded the Towulade for the achievements recorded within one year of his reign.

 

He described the ongoing projects across the community as evidence of purposeful leadership and urged residents to continue supporting the monarch’s development agenda.

 

“You have seen the efforts of the Kabiyesi. I want to urge you not to leave him. All the sons and daughters of Akinale who can contribute to the development of this community should support the ongoing efforts. The Kabiyesi cannot do it alone,” the Olowu said.

 

He also commended Prince Akinyemi for supporting development initiatives in Owu-Akinale and praised Stellar Steel Company for its intervention in the construction of the police post, noting that the project would strengthen security in the community.

 

Reacting to his installation, Olanrewaju dedicated the chieftaincy title to his parents, whom he credited for the sacrifices that shaped his life and career.

“I dedicate this chieftaincy to my parents for their efforts and sacrifices to make me who I am today. I was chosen not because I am the best, but because I am one out of the best,” he said.

 

The NUJ chairman expressed appreciation to the Towulade and the people of Owu-Akinale for the honour, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him.

He pledged to contribute to the continued development of the community and uphold the values that earned him the traditional title.

 

“I assure you that I will contribute my quota to the development of Owu-Akinale, and I will continue to uphold and improve on the qualities that earned me this chieftaincy title,” Olanrewaju said.

 

Weanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Oni Electronics and Patroness of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Chief Mrs Mojisola Oni-Quadri, has also congratulated the Chairman of the council, Comrade Chief Wale Olanrewaju, on his installation as the Asiwaju Agbaakin of Owu-Akinale.