In what looks like throwing his weight behind the move, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on the people of Remoland to foster greater unity with their Ijebu kinsmen to advance the movement for a proposed Ijebu-Remo State.
Speaking at the 2025 Remo Day celebration in Sagamu—themed “One People, Diverse Cultures, One Identity”—Akpabio emphasized that harmony is the foundation for achieving this collective goal.
He further lauded the Remo people for their industrial spirit and enterprise, noting that their collaborative strength will be the driving force behind the creation of the new state.
“I want to urge the Remo people to continue to live in peace. Remo is blessed with hardworking industrialists, which explains the concentration of industries in this area,” he said.
“I want you to work closely with the Ijebu people towards the creation of Ijebu State. We at the National Assembly will support you. I will not speak about where the capital will be located, but you already know. However, the capital must be in a peaceful environment.”
Akpabio characterized Remo Day as more than a cultural festival, describing it as a vital forum for strategic reflection on regional development.
He noted that his attendance underscored Nigeria’s inter-ethnic unity, advocating for diversity as a cornerstone of nation-building.
Addressing national concerns, Akpabio assured the public that insecurity would soon be resolved, citing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedicated efforts to tackle these challenges.
He praised the President’s “courageous” leadership in navigating current economic difficulties and reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to inter-governmental collaboration.
Additionally, he commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for Ogun State’s infrastructural growth, specifically labeling the Gateway International Airport as the nation’s premier facility.
In response, Abiodun celebrated the Remo people for their significant contributions to Nigeria’s progress.
He emphasized that the event’s high attendance proved the unifying strength of tradition, warning that losing touch with one’s cultural roots leads to a loss of identity.
“Remo is far more than a geographical expression; it is a people defined by a rich and enduring history,” the governor said.
“Festivals such as Remo Day provide a pathway to reconnect with our ancestral roots, invest in our homeland and transmit our identity to future generations.”
Abiodun highlighted key infrastructural projects executed by his administration in Remoland, including the Sagamu–Iperu–Ode–Sapaade Road.
He announced that international cargo operations are set to begin at the Gateway International Airport next month, describing this as a transformative milestone that will revolutionize logistics, create thousands of jobs, and establish Remoland as West Africa’s premier agro-processing and export hub.
Earlier, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, explained that Remo Day was established to project the region’s rich culture to a global audience.
He took pride in the achievements of Remo indigenes across all sectors, noting that their identity remains both resilient and enduring.
Reaffirming the community’s political aspirations, the monarch stated that the people remain committed to working with stakeholders to realize the proposed Ijebu-Remo State.
Ajayi also extended his gratitude to Governor Abiodun for his partnership in constructing the new palace pavilion.
This second edition of the festival, which drew dignitaries from across Nigeria, concluded with vibrant masquerade displays, traditional homage-paying by various age grades, and the official commissioning of the pavilion.
Leave a comment