The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya has commended the initiative of a distinguished son of Egbaland, Engr. Yemisi Shyllon for his philanthropic gesture and cultural preservation, especially through the donation of a statue that represents a tribute to the past and a gift to future generations.
Penpushing reports that Onasanya gave the commendation alongside with Alake of Egbaland , Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the founder of Citadel Global Church Community, Pastor Tunde Bakare at the unveiling ceremony of a statue built in honour of a great hero and leader of Egbaland, Chief Sodeke held at the Ake Palace Roundabout, Ake, Abeokuta.
The number one worker in the state pointed out that a debt of gratitude is owed the donor, who he said has once again demonstrated resolute commitment to the promotion of history, culture and collective identity of the people in order to ensure that the rich story of Sodeke and the founding of Abeokuta remain alive and accessible.
“I wish to remark that the unveiling of this magnificent statue is an important reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the Egbas and the foundational values of resilience, community and leadership while also representing a call to preserve the legacy of our forebears as we strive for collective progress’, Onasanya said
‘It should also represent an avenue to renew our commitment to the ideals of unity, heritage and progress, same that the legendary Sodeke championed during his reign”, the Head of Service emphasised.
Penpushing further reports that he congratulated the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, and the entire people of Egbaland for the significant milestone in preserving their cultural heritage and wished them all abundant blessings, continued unity and prosperity as they celebrate the unveiling of the statue of the courageous and visionary icon, Chief Sodeke.
The Alake of Egbaland in his remarks thanked Shyllon for donating the statute of Sodeke which he described as a symbol of Egba unity, stressing that the artist prowess of the donor could not be overemphasised
Penpushing also reports that Pastor Tunde Bakare on his part was full of gratitude to the donor for deepening the cultural values of his people pointing out that it was a preservation of the legacy of the great hero of Egba symbol
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, represented by the Deputy Director, Tourism Development and Promotion in the Ministry, Mr. Abdulrazaq Abdulsalam, the Proprietor, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Prince Segun Ajibola (SAN), a Fellow, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ogun State Chapter, Engr. Dele Oladipo and the President, Sculptors Association of Nigeria, Ogun State, Dr. Kehinde Badaru, in separate goodwill messages said they were proud to be associated with the stride the donor has made.
Penpushing reports that they equally made pledge that they would continue to be key players in the sustenance of arts and culture, as exemplified in the making of the statue that combined arts and engineering to give it a symbol of excellence.
They urged the people to emulate the great charity of Shyllon, who has chosen to generously identify with his people, by providing a compass through which the people can live their lives.
Penpushing further reports that earlier in a welcome address, the Artist, Prof. Funke Ifeta said the donor is a great leader who likes making people happy in all he does, as he desires the growth and development of his town, and added that a lot of things is still in the offing for the development of Egbaland by Shyllon.
Meanwhile, other dignitaries at the occasion include Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba (Dr) Adedapo Tejuoso, former Governor of the State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Military Administrator of Bauchi State, Navy Captain Raheed Adisa Raji(rtrd), former Nigerian Ambassador to United Kingdom, Alhaji Sarafa Tunji Ishola among others.
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