Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Saturday, said the unity of the people of the country lies in their cultures and traditions.
Vice President Shettima made this known during the celebration of the 37th edition of the Akesan day held at the Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu-Remo,Ogun State, where he also said the Akesan day is a testimony to the potential that lies with the citizens of the country when they unite under the banner of their shared heritage.
The Vice President, who also called on the people of the country to harness the past to show a brighter future for generations to come, added that Nigerians should also learn from Iperu-Remo the spirit of unity for operational determination.
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Shettima while thanking Governor Dapo Abiodun and the people of Iperu-Remo for reminding the government and people of the country of the sociology and economics of culture in nation building through the preservation of beautiful tradition, added that in celebrating culture, the people also celebrate their identity and pride.
While noting that the country would forever cherish the sacrifices Governor Abiodun and the people of Iperu-Remo have made serving as guardians of tradition, preserving cultural legacy and forstering unity among the people of the country, noted that the festival like previous ones before it speaks of the essence of the unity the people have forged as a nation.
“The Akesan festival stands as a testimony to the potential that lies within us when we unite under the banner of our shared heritage.
“This edition of the festival like the ones before it speaks of the essence of the unity we have forged as a nation, it symbolizes the heart beat of our nation.
“I commend you for investing significant time and resources to establish Iperu-Remo on the map and to remind us of this heritage.
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“You have reinforced the identities and pride of our communities,forstering their patriotism and their commitment to persuing our collective progress and nurturing the bonds that bind us as a people,” he said.
The Akarigbo and Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Oba’s, Oba Babatunde Ajayi congratulated Governor Abiodun on his victory at the Court of Appeal, calling on all parties involved in the legal battle to sheath their swords and come together for a more prosperous state.
On his part, Governor Yahaya Bello said the people of Kogi and Ogun states have inter-married, describing the Akesan day celebration as a wonderful event that would continue to forster unity among the people of the state and the country as a whole.
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun disclosed that the people of Iperu-Remo share cultural affinity with the people of Ife, Oyo and Ijebu Ode, adding that his administration would continue to promote culture and tradition.
Governor Abiodun noted that commercial operation would soon begin at the Ogun State Agro Cargo Airport, which is nearing completion,saying that his administration would continue to build on the successes of the first term.
Abiodun, while commending the judiciary for upholding the rule of law,promised not to betray the trust of the people of the state.