Member representing Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abass Adigun, popularly known as Agboworin, on Saturday, lauded the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, for placing value on culture and tradition in the state.
Agboworin, who is a two-term lawmaker and Chairman, House Committee on Narcotic Drugs, stated this on Saturday, while speaking at the annual World Twins Festival, themed; “Twinning for Love, Unity and National Economic Reorientation,” held at the Methodist Grammar School, Igbo Ora.
The lawmaker, who was also the chairman of the occasion, lauded the governor’s effort at putting the Festival on a global world map, thereby attracting tourists and investors to develop the economy of the state.
While presenting his speech on the podium, Agboworin was flanked by notable politicians in the state including lawmaker representing Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central federal constituency, Rep. Adebayo Adepoju (Ibarapa Kan); Former federal lawmaker representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal constituency, Hon. Yemi Taiwo; Oyo State Commissioner for local government and Chieftancy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo (Ijaya).
Others were Chairman of Ibadan North East, Hon. Ibrahim Akintayo; Chairman Ibadan South West, Hon. Kehinde Akande; Chairman of Oyo West LG, Hon. Prince Salam Olukitibi; Chairman of Ibarapa North LG, Hon. Lateef Akorede; Chairman of Ibarapa East LG, Hon. Kazeem Arogundade; the Chairman of Ibarapa Central LG and host of the festival, Hon. Olusola Adeleke, among other political office holders.
He said: “It is with great honour and profound gratitude that I stand before you, the people of Oyo State, our local and international visitors as well as other important guests, on this momentous occasion of the 2024 Igbo-Ora Twins Festival.
“This annual festival does not only showcase the premium placed on culture and tradition by Oyo State government but also values the uniqueness of Igboora Community in the state.
“However, the most important tale is that this ancient town, which is a melting pot of twins birth, is not only reputable among neighboring towns in Oyo State, Yorubaland, Nigeria but also in the Africa continent because of multiple birth record of twins in virtually every household.
“I am happy that Oyo State, under the leadership of my Principal, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, has been able to put the festival on a global map by attracting tourists from far and wide.“
He, however, urged the people of the town to continue to strengthen family bonds, community ties, cultural heritage and support initiatives that promote unity and understanding.
Equally speaking at the event, Governor Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Barr. Bayo Lawal, pledged his government’s continuous support for the festival to attract more investors, stating that this would be achieved through improvement of facilities and creation of an enabling environment needed for tourism to thrive in the state.
He expressed hope that in line with his administration’s zeal to expand the state’s economy through tourism, the Igbo Ora Festival of Twins and Multiple Births will be promoted to gain world acclaim as a UNESCO World Heritage.
Oyo State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the festival is unique, as it has incorporated twins from all the geopolitical zones in the state, with the target of entering the Guinness Book of World Records and also being enlisted by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
The event was organised by the Igbo Ora Community Foundation and Ibarapa Central Local Government in conjunction with Oyo State Government and the Twins World Creation Intercontinental.
Highlights of the event include unveiling of twins’ statue at Igbotikale Roundabout; Igbo Ora Twins’ Parade; Twins’ Talent Show and Twins’ Appellation, among others.
The event had in attendance traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and top government functionaries, among others.
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