PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has, once again, assured indigenes and residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, of his readiness to ensure the creation of Ibadan state.

TSpeaking through the coordinator of Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation and Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Olajumoke Akinjide, the president congratulated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana, the council of chiefs, all the chiefs and the entire indigenes of Ibadanland on the successful celebration of 2015 Oke’badan festival.

In a press release issued by the Director, Media and Publicity for the campaign organisation, Alhaji Kehinde Olaosebikan, the president said the festival, which was held last week, provided avenue to showcase the rich culture, peculiarity and greatness of Ibadan people.

He said the peaceful atmosphere with which the event was held, had again, further confirmed that Ibadan people remained the most  accommodating, amiable, peaceful and hospitable people across the world.

While expressing optimism that all the prayers offered for the continued peace, progress and expansion of Ibadanland would be answered, Akinjide, speaking for the president, assured of a bigger celebration next year, when the dream of creation of Ibadan state would have materialised.

She reminded the people of Ibadanland that just as they trooped out en masse to celebrate the heritage of Ibadanland, they should vote en masse for  President Jonathan on March 28.

The minister called on the people of Ibadanland of voting age yet to collect their permanent voter cards (PVCs) to collect them and vote for President Jonathan on March 28.

She said nothing would change the creation of Ibadan state and celebration of Oke’badan in a more elaborate manner if President Jonathan is re-elected.

...Glo enlivens Oke’badan festival
Globacom  brought  excitement  to this year’s Oke ‘badan festival  as it featured  popular Fuji artiste, Ibadan-born Saheed Osupa, at  a  musical fiesta held   at  the weekend in Ibadan, Oyo  State.

The musical fiesta pulled a massive crowd of fun-lovers from the students populace round the Trans Amusement Park, Agbowo, Ibadan, where the event was held and fun lovers from all walks of life.

The musical fiesta was  spiced up by DJ Top, who was on the juke box, while Gbenga Adeyinka, compeer of the show, who took the captive audience through a journey of entertainment.

The musical fiesta is one of the major activities lined up to make this year’s Oke’badan memorable.  Saheed Osupa serenade to his popular songs, leaving the ecstatic audience dancing and screaming for more.  The ace Fuji crooner indeed, lived up to his billings as attested by some of the guests.    

Mojisola Arogundade, an indigene of Ibadan, who confessed to have enjoyed the show, gave kudos to Globacom for its support for Oke ‘badan especially, for the musical event, which she described as a breath of fresh air in the town. “With Globacom’s sponsorship, we have come to see that Oke’badan has potentials for tourism in this part of the country.  Indeed, the festival has succeeded in congregating all the sons and daughters of the land to discuss about our future as a people,” she said.

Another indigene of Ibadan, Kabir Adepoju, remarked  that Globacom had displayed its commitment to the welfare of Nigerians by not only making its products and services available, but by providing an atmosphere of glee and euphoria for the benefit of fun-loving  Nigerian youths and the young-at-heart by sponsoring  cultural festivals.