Telecommunications giant, Globacom, marked two decades of unwavering sponsorship of the iconic Ojude Oba Festival in grand style on Sunday, doling out an array of valuable prizes including brand-new cars, tricycles, power generating sets, and grinding machines to deserving sons and daughters of Ijebuland.
The company also distributed premium Basmati rice to members of the various Regberegbe age-grade groups, further reinforcing its commitment to cultural celebration and community appreciation.
Held in Ijebu Ode, the colourful festival drew dignitaries from across the country, including the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa-Musawa; and Olorogun Sunny Kuku, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland. They joined nearly 100 Regberegbe groups in a dazzling parade of colour, culture, and heritage.
A highlight of the celebration was the vibrant display by the Balogun families, who showcased traditional horsemanship as they paid homage to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, in a time-honoured ritual that follows the Eid festivities.
In his address, Governor Abiodun paid glowing tribute to the monarch’s six-decade reign, describing it as a legacy of “purposeful leadership, progressive vision, and unwavering commitment to the growth of Ijebuland and Ogun State.” Minister Musawa lauded the festival as “a shining testament to Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity and the resilience of its traditional institutions.”
One of the brand-new car recipients, 52-year-old Opeoluwa Osisanwo of Egbe Tobalase Okunrin, was selected through a community nomination process that recognized his years of dedicated service as Secretary of the Ojude Oba Festival Planning Committee. “I never knew people were watching me,” Osisanwo said emotionally. “I was just serving my land of birth to the best of my ability.”
The second car winner, Idowu Olabisi, a trader from Ijebu Igbo, emerged through a Glo airtime usage-based promotion. Overwhelmed with joy, she danced as she received her prize, describing it as a “spectacular and unexpected Eid gift.”
Four tricycles (popularly known as Keke) were also won by local entrepreneurs: Hassan Toheeb, a businessman from Ijebu Itele; Adenike Olanrewaju, a plank seller in Molipa; Gazal Temitope, a trader from Olisa; and Lawal Tosin, a carpenter based in Ijebu Ode.
As the Ojude Oba Festival continues to evolve, Globacom’s enduring support remains a pillar of the event’s success, merging corporate goodwill with cultural preservation in a way that resonates deeply with the Ijebu people.
