Governor calls for attitudinal change by residents for Ibadan Festival

Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has called on Ibadan indigenes to have a positive change of attitude toward the development of the city, environment and government policies.

The governor made the call on Saturday at the grand finale of Ibadan Cultural Festival 2017 held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium.

Ajimobi lamented that the unpleasant attitude of indigenes is detrimental to the development of the city, cleanliness and support for government policies, saying that the city could only develop through collective effort.

According to the governor, Ibadan is a historical home of warriors and these warriors have conquered several wars in the past.

“We have to brace up to uphold the legacy as the society demands today.

“Our own war today should be for the development of the city, against indiscipline and poverty,” he said.

He stated that selling of goods on the streets destroys the environment and government had continually preached against such.

Ajimobi stated the state government has begun the enforcement of its environmental laws, adding that anyone who flouts the law would be punished accordingly.

“Our society will be better for it if the people embrace the right attitude. It is difficult for any government to do it all alone without the support of the people.

“Investors can only come into the city if the environment is clean and attractive,” he said.

Chief Wole Akinwande, the President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), commended the governor for the signing of Oyo State Real Properties Protection bill into law and the progress made so far on Ibadan Master Plan.

He urged the people to make cleanliness of the city a habit, saying their “Clean Ibadan” programme carried out during the festival was to encourage the people on the habit.

Princess Olaide Salawu, the Chairperson of the Ibadan Cultural Festival 2017 Committee called on the indigenes to always strive for the growth and development of the city.

“If you have been so much blessed in Ibadan, then this land is your Jerusalem. Don’t let it be a one day affair.

“Seek for the peace, cleanliness and advancement of Ibadan land and all who love her shall prosper,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured several cultural displays, likewise the display of the prowess of notable Ibadan warlords.

NAN reports that the festival, which commenced on Feb. 2 featured quiz competition, debate, operation make Ibadan clean, stage play, Ibadan beauty pageant, Oke’badan day, Ibadan conference and lots more.

The event was bankrolled by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and with the theme “Advancing Our Heritage”

The event was attended by the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Chief Adebayo Akande, members of Olubadan-in-Council, members of the State Executive Council and hosts of Ibadan sons and daughters.