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Bayelsa State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)/Rainbow Coalition has set November 9 for full campaign activities and unveiling of fleet of buses by the National Rainbow Coalition Campaign Buses donated by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Mr. Nyesom Wike.

The leadership of Bayelsa PDP/Rainbow Coalition issued the presidential campaign schedule in a statement with the campaign to be preceded by three days of pre-campaign fasting and prayers/solemn assembly between November 5 and 7. It will be followed by a dedication of the campaign and thanksgiving on November 8.

The timetable schedule signed by the State Organising Secretary of the PDP/Rainbow Coalition Mr. T. Godspower indicated that on November 9 full campaign activities would begin with the inauguration of Bayelsa State Rainbow Coalition Council/ official inauguration of the National Rainbow Coalition Campaign Secretariat for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Bayelsa State and official unveiling of National Rainbow Coalition campaign buses donated by Wike.

Godspower said between November 10 and 15 the mobilisation/distribution of campaign materials including T-shirts face caps and banners to local governments would begin.

According to the timetable between November 17 and 21 the Rainbow Coalition would kick- start campaigns with the senatorial districts’ flag-off and presentation of Rainbow Coalition flags to candidates in Bayelsa Central Bayelsa West and Bayelsa East while the grand finale formal adoption and endorsement of President Tinubu as the presidential candidate of Bayelsa PDP and other parties in the Rainbow Coalition will hold on December 12.

Bayelsa PDP Chairman Chief Alabh George Turnah expressed confidence that the PDP/Rainbow Coalition in Bayelsa State under his guidance and leadership would leverage the grassroots support PDP enjoyed in Bayelsa to mobilise the electorate for victory for President Tinubu and its candidates in the Rainbow Coalition.

Turnah described Tinubu’s decision to integrate the National Rainbow Coalition into his campaign with the appointment of its national leader and grand patron Chief Wike as coordinator of the presidential campaign in Rivers State and the FCT as an unprecedented political masterstroke that would give bulk votes to the President in several states including Bayelsa.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Taiwo Oyedele has dismissed reports that the Federal Government plans to introduce a fuel tax when the economy stabilises.

He said his position remained that introducing the levy at this time would be insensitive.

The minister described the reports as ‘fake news’ and insisted that the levy is not on the government’s agenda.

Oyedele in a post on X said his comments during an interview on a television had been misrepresented.

He maintained that introducing a fuel tax under the prevailing economic conditions would be insensitive to Nigerians still grappling with the impact of petrol subsidy removal.

The minister’s clarification followed reports (not by The Nation) suggesting that the government would introduce the levy when economic conditions improved and citizens’ income levels could accommodate it.

He insisted that his remarks should not be interpreted as an announcement of a government plan to impose a new tax on fuel.

During the interview conducted on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok Thailand Oyedele explained that introducing a fuel tax while petrol was subsidised would have been counterproductive as the government would effectively be paying the tax itself.

He also argued that the priority should be to grow incomes faster than prices rise rather than suppress prices.

According to him any consideration of fuel taxation would depend on economic stability and improved income levels not a desire to impose additional taxes on Nigerians.

Governor Dauda Lawal will commission more than 70 completed projects across Zamfara State to mark his administration’s commitment to development and service delivery.

The state government announced this in a statement released yesterday.

It said the commissioning marked the 30th anniversary of Zamfara State’s creation.

The Sub-Committee on Projects Identification and Commissioning of the 30th Anniversary Planning Committee identified the projects it said.

The projects lined up for commissioning include hospital projects namely the rehabilitation of General Hospitals in Gummi Kasuwar Daji (Kaura Namoda) and Shinkafi.

They also include constructing and equipping the General Hospital in Talata Mafara and rehabilitating the Women and Children Hospital in Kaura Namoda including staff quarters.

The Drugs and Medical Consumables Agency administrative blocks have been remodelled and furnished.

On education the projects cover renovating the Smart School Gusau; constructing a Safe School in Anka; rehabilitating Government Secondary School Maru; and rehabilitating Government Science Secondary School Gusau including an access road and staff quarters.

The College of Education Maru has hostels and a college clinic; Abdu-Gusau Polytechnic Talata Mafara has hostels; and the State University Talata Mafara has a Faculty of Education a college clinic and a store.

Others include classroom and office blocks at Federal University Gusau; an administrative block and rehabilitated classrooms at ZACAS Gusau.

On infrastructure the Fanna Bridge has a 300-metre surfaced approach road and the Magami link road; Phase 1 of the Ultra-Modern Market Gusau has 165 shops; 25 bus stops span the Gusau metropolis; and the J.B. Yakubu Secretariat Complex has parking spaces.

Under sports recreation and culture the projects include upgrading Sardauna Memorial Stadium Gusau; rehabilitating the Gusau Amusement Park; constructing the Gada-Biyu Roundabout monument sculpture; building a small city garden in Gusau; and renovating the Sambo Dan Ashafa Juma’ah Masjid Yardole.

Other projects scheduled for inauguration include renovations remodels and furnishings for many ministries departments and agencies.

All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has promised to make a difference in the state if elected next year.

He spoke at a mega empowerment programme sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency Babajimi Benson.

Hamzat praised the legislator saying the initiative is helping people and families to build a better future.

He said: ‘Empowering our people is one of the most effective ways to strengthen communities and create a lasting change. This reflects the spirit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda which focuses on improving lives and giving more people a chance to succeed.’

The deputy governor added: ‘True progress is measured by how many people we lift how many families we support and how many lives we improve.

‘We must continue to work together across all levels of government to ensure development reaches every community in Lagos.

‘Leadership is all about making a real difference in people’s lives and I will continue to do my best to build a Lagos where every resident feels seen supported and has a fair chance to succeed.’

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for providing intervention funding through the Sukuk programme saying the initiative has strengthened its capacity to recover deteriorating federal roads and improve travel experience across the country.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer FERMA Dr Emeka Agbasi gave the commendation during an inspection tour of Sukuk-funded road maintenance projects in Benue and Nasarawa states.

Agbasi said the funding had enabled the agency to expand its interventions on federal roads.

‘For our President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the agency owes you a lot of gratitude. Without the Renewed Hope Agenda some of these accomplishments would not have been possible. We are offering Nigerians a good journey experience on our roads as a consequence of the funding that Sukuk has provided to the agency’ he said.

The Makurdi-Wannune Road which connects Gboko to the Benue State capital had deteriorated necessitating maintenance intervention to improve the driving surface and support the movement of traffic along the corridor.

The Zonal Director Northcentral 2 Briye Vanokah explained the scope of work and cautioned motorists against road abuse urging them to protect the infrastructure to ensure the durability of the intervention.

In Nasarawa State Agbasi inspected Sukuk-funded maintenance works on the Keffi-Gitata Road where the agency is working to improve road conditions and sustain connectivity.

Reiterating the importance of protecting road infrastructure the FERMA Managing Director said: ‘The message for road users would be to own the roads as if they were their own. Make sure that road abuses are avoided and form a collaboration with the FERMA office here so that we can work together to prevent further deterioration.’

The Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer in Nasarawa State Onyegwa Bright Gozie outlined the scope of work on the road and urged motorists to avoid practices that could damage the infrastructure.

Agbasi stressed the importance of preventive maintenance explaining that preserving existing road infrastructure was more cost-effective than allowing roads to deteriorate before undertaking major repairs.

He added that the impact of additional funding had been significant enabling FERMA to recover more roads improve their serviceability and create employment opportunities.

‘The impact has been huge. Due to the additional funding we have been able to recover more roads. Apart from that we have also increased serviceability on our roads because of the improved road condition and created more jobs as a consequence’ he said.

The inspection tour forms part of FERMA’s continuing efforts to monitor Sukuk-funded projects and ensure value for money and in the long run that road maintenance interventions improve connectivity support economic activities and enhance the travel experience of Nigerians.

The Regent-elect of Umeh Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State HRH Meshack Rockson Owhe has declared tomorrow a day of mourning in honour of the late Delta State Governor Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan.

Owhe who announced the decision in a condolence tribute on behalf of the people of Umeh said the community would suspend trading farming and all ceremonies from dawn to dusk in recognition of Uduaghan’s contributions to its development.

He described the late governor who died on October 19 at the age of 71 as a patriot distinguished Deltan and one of the most illustrious sons of the Itsekiri nation whose legacy of service would remain indelible in Delta State and beyond.

The traditional ruler-elect recalled Uduaghan’s special relationship with Umeh noting that the former governor’s visit to the community on August 24 2011 following the Umeh Need Road Facebook advocacy marked a turning point in its history.

According to him Umeh was then a largely undeveloped agrarian community that had remained without a road despite years of appeals to successive governments dating back to the former Bendel State.

He said Uduaghan’s decision to embark on the construction of the Umeh Road ended decades of frustration and opened a new chapter in the community’s development.

‘Uduaghan came saw and became our prince in shining armour’ Owhe said recalling that the road was completed in 2015 and inaugurated on February 14 of that year.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said Nigeria has lost a fine gentleman a dedicated medical professional and a consummate statesman in the late Governor Uduaghan.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media Kehinde Akinyemi the former President recalled working closely with Uduaghan when he served as Commissioner for Health and later as Secretary to the State Government under former Delta State Governor James Ibori.

‘I fondly remember my close interactions with Emmanuel during my tenure as president. Even during those turbulent political eras and intense regional agitations in the Niger Delta Emmanuel stood out as a brilliant administrator and a calm voice of reason’ he said.

The ex-President said Uduaghan’s administrative acumen and commitment to peace and progress in Delta State prepared him for leadership when he became governor in 2007.

Also the Bayelsa State government and the Southsouth Governors’ Forum (SSGF) have extended their condolences to the government and people of Delta State on the passing of former Governor Uduaghan.

They also commiserated with the Uduaghan family his wife Mrs. Roli Uduaghan and their children on the painful loss.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Daniel Alabrah Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri who is also Chairman of the SSGF said the state and the Southsouth governors received the news with a profound sense of sorrow.

They described Uduaghan as an exceptional public servant who was committed to the transformation of Delta State before during his time as governor and after he left office.

‘On behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State and the Southsouth Governors’ Forum I extend our deepest condolences to our brother-governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the people of Delta State over the death of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

‘We also express our heartfelt sympathies to the entire Uduaghan family his wife and children.

‘The late former governor was reputed as an exceptional public servant a consummate bridge-builder and a gentleman.

‘His shining legacies remarkable leadership and people-centred governance style endeared him to many in Delta State and beyond’ the statement said.

Governor Diri prayed that the Almighty God comfort the family and the people of Delta State at this moment and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

In Abuja the Senate yesterday paid a tribute to the late Governor Uduaghan celebrating his contributions to healthcare infrastructure and economic development as well as his role in promoting regional cooperation and restoring peace to the Niger Delta.

The lawmakers honoured the former governor during deliberations on a motion sponsored by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South) and co-sponsored by Senators Ned Nwoko (Delta North) Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio highlighted Uduaghan’s contributions to the BRACED Commission a regional development initiative involving Bayelsa Rivers Akwa Ibom Cross River Edo and Delta states.

Akpabio also recalled the former governor’s collaboration with other Southsouth governors and the administration of former President Umaru Yar’Adua in efforts to address militancy in the Niger Delta which culminated in the amnesty initiative that helped restore relative peace to the oil-producing region.

Moving the motion Thomas described Uduaghan as a distinguished medical practitioner statesman and public servant whose eight-year administration left significant marks on the political social and economic development of Delta State.

Born on October 22 1954 in Abigborodo Warri North Local Government Area Uduaghan trained as a medical doctor at the University of Benin before venturing into public service.

He served as Delta State Commissioner for Health in 1999 Secretary to the State Government (SSG) from 2003 to 2007 and governor from May 29 2007 to May 29 2015.

Thomas said Uduaghan’s medical background influenced his administration’s healthcare policies particularly programmes that provided free medical services to pregnant women nursing mothers and children under five years of age.

He also cited investments in the Delta State University Teaching Hospital Oghara rehabilitation of public schools and initiatives to expand access to education including the Edu-My-Child programme scholarships and assistance with public examinations.

On infrastructure the senator highlighted road construction transportation projects and the development of Asaba International Airport as key achievements of the former governor’s administration.

He added that Uduaghan’s Delta Beyond Oil agenda sought to diversify the state’s economy and reduce dependence on crude oil revenues through investments in agriculture tourism and small and medium-scale enterprises.

Contributing to the debate Dafinone said Uduaghan’s legacy should be measured by the impact of his public service on the lives of the people.

‘Public service is marked by the number of lives touched in service and there is no doubt that in his eight years as governor his position as Secretary to the State Government and Commissioner for Health our late governor touched very many lives’ he said.

Former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North Adams Oshiomhole recalled Uduaghan’s contribution to regional economic integration through the BRACED Commission.

He said the initiative was conceived to move the six South-South states beyond periodic meetings towards a coordinated development framework that would harness the region’s natural resources and human capital.

According to him Uduaghan provided logistical support for the establishment of a secretariat to drive the commission’s activities.

He described the late governor as a leader whose commitment to Delta State transcended ethnic considerations and whose influence and resources were deployed towards improving the welfare of the people.

‘Emmanuel Uduaghan was not lost in the Itsekiri people. He may have been born as an Itsekiri man by accident of birth but actually he was a proud son of Delta and he deployed all he had to upgrade the living standard of Delta’ Oshiomhole said.

Nwoko recalled discussions with Uduaghan on the development of Asaba International Airport during his time in the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003.

He said the proposal initially encountered resistance from the administration of former Governor James Ibori which argued that Delta State already had an airport at Osubi near Warri.

Nwoko’s account highlighted the discussions that preceded the development of the airport which subsequently became an important transportation facility for the state.

Senator Francis Faduyile a medical doctor representing Ondo South also described Uduaghan as a role model whose professional background informed his commitment to improving healthcare delivery.

Faduyile recalled the former governor’s interventions in the health sector and his participation in a National Health Summit organised by the Nigerian Medical Association.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan who described the deceased as her in-law said he was a compassionate and gentle man whose counsel and support extended beyond his immediate family.

‘He is a father figure to many and to me he goes beyond being an in-law’ she said.

At the end of the deliberations the Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of the former governor and extended its condolences to his family and the people of Delta State.

Also the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers has condoled with the Uduaghan family of Abigborodo and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on the death of former Governor Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan.

In a statement yesterday on behalf of the council its Chairman Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo Orhue I said they received with shock and ‘profound bewilderment” the news of the death of the former governor.

The council described Uduaghan as a detribalised leader who made an enduring mark in the area of human capital development infrastructural needs of the people and promoted peace among the various ethnic tribes in the state adding that the late governor treated every part of the state as one united family.

‘Though he inherited the famous Warri crisis from his predecessor he was able to build lasting peace among the three warring tribes irrespective of his ethnic affiliation the chairman of the council added.

The council added that Uduaghan maintained an excellent relationship with traditional institutions as well as made monarchs’ welfare a top priority. ”Even in death his enduring legacies will continue to resonate among Deltans. The traditional institutions of the state will continue to remember his great deeds especially in the area of building a strong and virile traditional institution that can compete favourably with other traditional rulers in other states of the country” the council further said.

The chairman prayed God to comfort the family state government and state and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Also a former Delta State Commissioner for Information Chike Ogeah has said the late Governor Uduaghan considered free healthcare for pregnant women and children his greatest legacy in office.

Ogeah said Uduaghan placed greater value on lives saved through his maternal and child healthcare initiatives than on roads airports and other infrastructure projects delivered during his administration.

Speaking on national television yesterday the former commissioner recalled that Uduaghan often identified the impact of his healthcare programmes on vulnerable women and children as his most satisfying achievement.

‘If you had asked him Oga what was your legacy? He would say it’s that woman who could not have a baby because of X Y Z or that child that you know did not have a chance to live’ he said.

Ogeah said the former governor’s commitment to maternal and child healthcare was influenced by his background as a medical doctor describing him as compassionate intelligent and exceptionally kind.

Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has been hit by internal crisis after its six Southsouth state chairmen passed a vote of no confidence in its presidential candidate Seyi Makinde.

The Oyo State governor was also accused of sidelining party structures ahead of the 2027 general election.

The chairmen in a joint statement issued yesterday alleged that Makinde had appointed campaign coordinators who were not members of the party while failing to consult established leaders in the region.

They also accused the presidential candidate of poor leadership dishonesty and mishandling of funds raising questions about the party’s internal cohesion as preparations for the election gather momentum.

‘We have realised that our presidential candidate Seyi Makinde lacks substance the political will and focus to lead us right as a presidential candidate’ the chairmen said.

They expressed concern about what they described as the inadequate recognition of party officials and the exclusion of existing structures from the organisation of the presidential campaign.

The statement was signed by Dagodog Whyte of Rivers State Peace Osarama of Bayelsa State Utuku Edet of Akwa Ibom State Ugoigwe Ogechukwu of Edo State Prince Henry Ese of Delta State and Ntami Esage of Cross River State.

The chairmen alleged that appointments of non-members as campaign coordinators undermined the party’s established leadership and weakened its structures across the country.

They further accused Makinde of using the party to advance his personal ambition rather than working through its recognised leadership.

The chairmen said lack of consultation and engagement had created concerns among party officials about the direction of the presidential campaign.

Their action represents a show of opposition to Makinde from party leaders in the Southsouth although the statement did not indicate whether the chairmen intended to withdraw their support for the APM or take further steps against his candidacy.

The allegations of dishonesty and financial mismanagement were not accompanied by specific details in the statement and Makinde’s response was not included in the report.

The development comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general election with internal disputes over leadership candidate selection and campaign control threatening to complicate their preparations.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has inaugurated the state coordinating office of the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement (RHYE) ahead of 2027 general election.

He advised members of the group to engage the people meaningfully to win their hearts in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polls.

‘As we look towards the 2027 general election our political objective is clear: to present our records communicate our vision strengthen our grassroots structures and work towards securing the support of the people for the APC across Kwara State’ the governor told the large gathering of supporters at the open field of George Innih Stadium Ilorin.

‘Our aspiration is to see Kwara record overwhelming votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and secure strong electoral support for all APC candidates from the National Assembly to the House of Assembly and other elective positions.’

The governor was represented by his deputy Mr Kayode Alabi.

AbdulRazaq said for them to deliver at the polls party faithful must unite engage and communicate APC programmes with the people at the grassroots and listen to their concerns.

He acknowledged that the youth are energetic creative and determined to build stronger communities and expand opportunities for their fellow residents a reason why he said the administration prioritises youth inclusion.

‘I therefore charge RHYE to take its activities to every local government area ward and community across Kwara. Engage our young people encourage informed participation promote peaceful political engagement and ensure our message reaches the people through credible and responsible means’ the governor said.

Kwara State governor’s wife Mrs Olufolake AbdulRazaq; wife of the Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly and APC governorship candidate Hajiya Sa’adat Yakubu Danladi; top government officials; APC chieftains candidates and support groups attended the event.

Mrs AbdulRazaq enjoined members to be committed to their engagement with people and sensitise them on why APC deserves their votes.

State APC Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi expressed confidence in the party’s chances of winning the 2027 general election declaring that APC is prepared to secure victories across elective positions.

Fagbemi said Kwara like before would deliver for President Tinubu and dismissed the purported influence the opposition Rainbow Coalition could make in Kwara politics urging party members and the electorate to remain committed to APC’s political direction.

National Coordinator for RHYE Abdulazeez Kaka said he was happy with the large turnout of party faithful and was confident that Kwara APC would translate such to electoral victory.

He hailed the governor for his excellent performance in the state which he said had made the jobs easier for the APC campaign teams.

Africa’s video games and immersive media industry will take centre stage as the seventh Gamathon which holds in Lagos from October 26 to 31 this year before moving to Nairobi Kenya from November 26 to 28.

The yearly convention organised by Africacomicade brings together stakeholders in animation video games comics and extended reality (AVGC-XR) to promote collaboration innovation and the growth of Africa’s digital entertainment industry.

Themed ‘Back to Our Roots’ this year’s edition is expected to feature industry sessions technical masterclasses exhibitions networking opportunities and activities celebrating African digital culture. According to the organisers the theme is aimed at encouraging stakeholders to reassess the realities of the sector and strengthen the foundations needed to navigate future uncertainties.

Last year’s edition was held across four regional hubs in Nigeria Ghana South Africa and Kenya. The Lagos programme will begin with a dinner next Monday.

The Women in Games Workshop and Mixer is scheduled for October 28 while online sessions will run from Monday to Wednesday alongside the physical activities.

Technical workshops and masterclasses in partnership with Unity will hold on Thursday and Friday October 29 and 30 ahead of the convention’s Industry Day on Saturday October 31.

The Industry Day scheduled to hold at The Zone will serve as the convention’s main business-to-consumer segment providing members of the public with opportunities to engage with developers artists studios and brands shaping Africa’s digital entertainment landscape.

Activities will include panel discussions exhibitions showcases a gaming tournament a radio-controlled (RC) tournament and an after-party. The programme will also feature the premiere of the industry documentary.

The organisers said the event would offer participants an immersive experience across gaming animation and comics while creating opportunities to connect with industry players and discover emerging creative talent.

Studios and brands interested in exhibiting at the event are expected to submit applications before the October 11 2026 deadline. Organisations seeking sponsorship and branding opportunities can contact the organisers through [email protected].

Africacomicade supports the development of Africa’s video games immersive and interactive media industries through annual conventions developer accelerator programmes pitch competitions and other initiatives designed to connect African game developers artists and extended reality creators with global markets investment networks and industry opportunities.

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland/Chief Promoter Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF) Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams has called on the Federal Government to move tourism from the residual to the concurrent legislative list to enable stronger collaboration between federal and state governments in developing the sector.

Adams made the call on Tuesday at the 24th Olokun World Festival at Kakanfo-Falola Beach Badagry Lagos.

He said placing tourism on the concurrent list would allow states to work productively with the Federal Government and its agencies to harness the country’s tourism potential promote their destinations and facilitate visa processes for international visitors.

‘I want to use this opportunity to advise the Federal Government that much as tourism is on the residual list they should make policy moves to take tourism to the concurrent legislative list.

This will enable states to productively work together with the Federal Government and its agencies to fully harness the tourism potentials of our country’ he said.

He added that visa approval for tourists should not be restricted to the Federal Government alone arguing that states should be able to engage diplomatic missions to ease entry for visitors.

Adams also appealed to the Federal Government to extend the reconstruction of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway to the Seme border and expedite its completion to make Badagry more accessible to tourists from Lagos and neighbouring Benin Republic.

He disclosed that the Olokun Festival Foundation is developing Kakanfo-Falola Beach into a major cultural tourism destination with facilities including a hotel mini cinema conference halls gym Olympic-size swimming pool mini festival stadium and courts for lawn tennis table tennis and beach soccer.

Describing the festival as more than an annual event Adams said it is a platform for preserving Yoruba history spirituality and cultural identity.

‘The Olokun World Festival is far more than an annual event; it is a living breathing affirmation of our identity history and continuity as a people’ he said.

He noted that the festival which began 24 years ago at Alpha Beach Lagos has grown into an international celebration attracting participants from across Nigeria Africa and the diaspora with the Foundation now celebrating over 30 traditional festivals across Yorubaland.

Adams thanked the people of Badagry for hosting the festival since its relocation over two decades ago and paid tribute to the late Akran of Badagry Oba De-Wheno Aholu Toyi I for his support calling for a minute’s silence in his honour.

He also appreciated HRM Oba Olalekan Sejiro James Henwa the Aholu of Kweme Kingdom the Regent of Badagry White Cap Chief Ajose Oloyede other traditional rulers members of the Oodua People’s Congress and the festival planning committee.

Representative of the Lagos State Governor Kenny Idowu Johnson Director-General of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture stressed the need to continue to uplift Yoruba culture and tradition.

Also speaking HRM Oba Adeleke Akinbo Oluwo the Adegbe of Legbe Kingdom Lekki Lagos said the event showcases Yoruba heritage.

‘This event is a cultural celebration. What I saw is all about our heritage tradition and how we should be able to lift celebrate what we are being born with. Our culture has been mixed and how we can bring our people back is by this type of gathering that would showcase that we are born special. Yoruba people are born special throughout the world’ he said.