World largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Sea to sail June 5 ,Written wale Ojo Lanre, Nigerian Tribune .World largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Sea to sail June 5 ,Written wale Ojo Lanre, Nigerian Tri

World largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Sea to sail June 5 ,Written wale Ojo Lanre, Nigerian Tribune .

February 2, 2016

Cruise buyers and sellers are in happy mood all over the world as the most beautiful cruise ship ever built, harmony of the Sea is set to sail between 5 and 7, 2016.

 Mrs Victoria Soluade, Chief Executive Officer, Soltan  Travels and Tours Ltdmedia  who broke  the news to tourism buffs,  cruise buyers and sellers  in her, Eti–Osa  way, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos office, revealed that  Harmony of the Sea “is one of the most luxurious cruise ships ever built in contemporary times. It is an adventure in opulence, posh, classy and in all things splendour.”

Mrs Soluade whose company, Soltan Travel and Tours is credited to be the best in cruise tour  package, said that Harmony of the Sea has been completed but only undergoing necessary certification.

She disclosed that the ship would make her pre-inaugural sailing on June 5–7 in Barcelona, Spain and would be attended and witnessed by selected press and dignitaries  all over the world .

 Mrs Soluade disclosed that Harmony of the Sea which  is at present at  the STX France shipyard, Harmony of the Seas (previously known as Oasis 3) will be slightly larger than 5,400-passenger sister ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, carrying 5,479 passengers.

Measuring 227,700 gross registered tonnes, Harmony of the Seas will be 2,418 GRTs larger than Oasis and Allure, as well as just over two metres longer. It also will be 20 per cent more fuel efficient than its sister ships.

Onboard, Harmony of the Seas will feature a mixture of first-introduced-on-Quantum- and Oasis-class experiences, as well as brand new additions, including the line’s first ever waterslides.

We cleaned toilets to accommodate tourists in Cuba —Ambassador

We cleaned toilets to accommodate tourists in Cuba —Ambassador

February 3, 2016

Cuba Ambassador to Nigeria,  His Excellency, Carlos E Trejos in company of his wife, Melva Pereze De Trejo and another official of the embassy  Mrs Miriam Morales Palmero, last week, visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba  Eniitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II. They embarked on a tour of the historical town, including the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile ife. In this interview, Ambassador Trejos said he felt more at home in Nigeria and suggested ways through which Nigeria can develop its tourism potentialities for income generation.

What are the significant things you will remember this visit for?

 First of all, the meetings I have with the Ooni and other people in Ile-Ife. My coming here is fruitful for I visited many interesting places which we can now develop   for stronger and better cooperation in the future. The people here are very culturally friendly.  I felt more at home , I enjoy the music, dance and other thrilling  entertainment  and hospitality at the palace and other places we toured.

 Is there any area where Cuba can work with Nigeria?

 There are many areas where Cuba can work with Nigeria and there are many areas where Cuba is working with Nigerians. Nigeria and Cuba are in several mute-lateral projects and collaborations .So we are working with the government.

But getting visa to Cuba for cultural exchange and others is tasking?

No. It is not tasking. We issue a day visa.  Getting Cuba visa is on the spot, when you come to our embassy and you provide the documentation that we need, the next day, you get your visa once you meet with the condition without consulting even for some people, it’s just stamping, we don’t put the visa .

 What’s the formation of people in Cuba?

In Cuba, we don’t have white black or yellow.  We have Cubans. Colour doesn’t exist in Cuba not for sexual orientation not because of religion, women collect the same salary with men, they do the same job and get the same payment. Cuba is a women’s country where respect and consideration go to women. We take care of women than men. Apart from the fact that they receive the same salary, now in Cuba, when a woman delivers  for the first few months, she  receives compensation from the government for complete one year her salaries. There is a law that a man can stay at home catering for the baby while the wife goes to work and he will be paid too.

How has the system of communism helped the advancement of Cuba as a nation?

 We called that Tropical Socialism, it is ours. It is  founded upon the idea of our founding fathers, most of them came from Africa and Nigeria especially and  with the knowledge we have from them,  a black man was  the Major General of the Cuban army fighting colonialism in those days, he died with more than 250 bullet wounds.  A complete family of black people born in Cuba from African descent from Nigeria died in combat, with the rank of Major General.  They won the war.  They are Jose Marcel and Anthony Marcel, our heroes, our founding fathers. They laid the basis upon ideology which goes far beyond any idea of just socialism, first of all, it is humanism. We have the idea of Karl Marx who was the most important thinker in the world in the 19th century, he is even being studies now more than before by capitalists because he developed the law of crisis and development under capitalism so all of these comprise the ideology which we have in Cuba.

What is the position of tourism in Cuba?

 Tourism in Cuba is the second largest industry.

How did you get to that level?

 First of all, Cuba understand that investment has to go through the basic funding and recover later. The first is the scientific research and the second is tourism.The most important investment in the area of tourism is our companies, we build and then we give to foreign companies to administrate, they get 15 per cent of the profit and 85 per cent remains ours.  Last year, they increased to 17.4 and in 2015 the visitors increased from three million to 3.5 million. Cubans now see that we have to invest  more  and that is why  I’ve invited investors from Nigeria to come and invest in Cuba  tourism, when tourists come, they have to get accommodated where it is available, it doesn’t matter if it is Africa or China, they come  and get accommodated. Last year, we had to clean our toilets to accommodate them because we did not have places  where they could be conveniently accommodated.

Countries in Africa are facing a lot of economic crisis, as an experienced diplomat and administrator, can countries like Nigeria develop tourism to generate revenue?

 I will not pretend to teach my ancestors how to do things, my great grandfather came from Nigeria and I cannot come to Nigeria and be telling them to do this and that.  They have wise people  and beautiful  country which will overcome its challenges sooner, I mean in a very near future,  the problem  with their crisis is managing the oil  resources and now the prices are very low, which is not good for the economy. Nigeira’s government has to improve tourism and in doing this, it has to provide energy, improve infrastructure, create infrastructures such as roads, railway lines, airports and others. Though there will consume  a lot of money, but they will help in stabilising and sustaining the economy, you begin step by step. In Cuba for instance,  in old Havana, we have architectural designs from the 15th  to 16th century, they were almost in ruins because of the crisis that hit the country,  but when the government decided to put a little money  to start  restoration, the little amount was one million dollars, it is nothing, but the first  thing was to renovate them and  convert some into hotels that began to yield money  and we began  to repair others until Havana is beautiful now. You spend what you have, we have been working on places that were destroyed  during the war, people still live there and we established   a museum, so that we’ll make people to learn about their own history and know what they have in the past.

How do you go in the area of cultural exchange with Nigeria?

 We are doing that already, we’ve signed a special MOU with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) which put forward the collaboration with the two countries and I am very sure it is going to work out fine.

 Now you are at your great grandfather’s home how do you feel?

 At home, I feel completely at home in Nigeria. Apart from being a diplomat in Nigeria, I understand even more than any other diplomat in Nigeria the mentality, the psychology of Nigerians that I am never affected because I am used to that in my own country, same people, same culture I understand, people know me  I have so many friends here, they know me and my wife very well, we do go to Garki market on our own to buy things,  I feel free, I relate with Nigerians  as brothers and sisters.

How is the practice of African Traditional Religion over there?

  I told the kabiyesi, Ooni about a documentary produced by the Yoruba Association in Cuba about culture and tradition. We have the same Orisa, Obaluaye, Obatala, Yemoja, Osun,  Sango and all the same saints. I have a lot of people who worship them in Yoruba Language, how they learn it, I don’t know.

As Ooni commends Olukere on Olosunta festival

As Ooni commends Olukere on Olosunta festival

February 3, 2016

Oba Obaloran of Ilode, Ile-Ife, Olukere of Ike-Ekiti, Oba Ganiyu Ayodele Obasoyin, Ooni of Ife and Olori Obasoyin at Enuwa Palace, Ile-Ife.

The Ooni of Ife,  Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has commended the Olukere of Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Oba Ganiyu Ayodele Obasoyin, Komolese 11  for his  agrarian commitment to the promotion of the Olosunta Festival in Ikere Ekiti, the second largest town in Ekiti State .

Ooni Ojaja made this commendation while receiving Oba Obasoyin, who paid him homage in his palace at Enuwa, in Ile–Ife, on Thursday, 28 January, 2016.

The Olukere of Ikere who was accompanied by the Obaloran of Ilode, Ife, the traditional Oba of the source of the Ikere people before migrating to the present site in Ekiti said that it became necessary for him to come, pay homage, visit his royal father and give account of the traditional assignments and activities in ikere Ekiti to the Ooni of Ife, the Imperial head of Obas in Yoruba land “

The Olukere disclosed to Ooni Ojaja that he has not been found wanting at making sure that the celebration of Olosunta festival which signified the soul of Ikere Ekiti as a town is done the way it should be as laid down by the tradition and founder of ikere.

“Kabiyesi, my coming home to ile–Ife, the palace with the Oba of the source where the people of Ikere Ekiti migrated to their present abode, is a testimony that we the Ikere are not only  here to congratulate you, but also assure you of our support, commitment  and readiness to keying to  your  cultural–tourism  promotion of Yoruba land.”

Handedly Olukere Obasoyin, revealed how he has single handed rekindled and reignited the zeal and enthusiasm  of participation in Olosunta Festival in his people and gone many miles to make the celebration of the Festival a global event.

“Kabiyesi, for the past three years, I have raised the bar of Olosunta Festival from the level local l restriction to a global participatory status which attracted thousands of tourists and foreigners to Ikere-Ekiti. And today,  our effort is being blessed by having you as the Ooni who has  a worldwide view and globalised concept of the potentialities in  celebrating and enhancing our n cultural activities and festival in our domains.”

Ooni Ojaja who commended the Olukere pointed out that Olosunta Festival in Ikere Ekiti occupies a conspicuous page in the book of cultural festivals and tourism assets in Yoruba land which would be included in the festival calendar in Yoruba land.

He lauded Oba Obasoyin for his cultural activities so far since he ascended the throne of his forefathers, particularly by   consistently adding value and enhancing Olosunta festival and promised to support him in the effort of realigning the festival with the source and international cultural fora.

OAU don, Prof Akin Alao tasks Yoruba traditional rulers on cultural –tourism @ Oodua Festival Ile - Ife Written by Wale Ojo lanre

OAU don,  Prof Akin Alao tasks  Yoruba traditional rulers on cultural –tourism @ Oodua Festival Ile - Ife 

Written by Wale Ojo lanre 

Nigerian Tribune  , February 3, 2016

•We should turn Ife to tourism haven —Gani Adams •Yoruba cultural tourism revolution has started —Ooni Ojaja !!

Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi. Ojaja 11 and Otunba Gani Adams. INSET: Traditional rulers at the event.

The 2016 Oodua Festival held in Ile–ife, on Thursday January 21, 2016, was not just for celebrating and showcasing the cultural heritage and values of the Yoruba race as being done every year by the Olokun Festival Foundation, but one specially packaged in synchronisation   with the template chord of unity and songs of brotherhood being waxed by the new Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi. Ojaja 11.

And in line with the vision of Ooni Ojaja 11, which sees cultural – tourism as a potent instrument of lubricating the chord of  Yoruba unity , peace and harmony  the Oodua Festival 2016 was laced with programmes which accentuate  the Yoruba culture , traditional rulers and  heritage as the corner stone for economic emancipation and cultural longevity of the race.

Apart from the spectacular cultural performances by many groups, dramatic exhibition of the origin of the race , the Obesere Fuji special show ,  the mammoth crowd  was exposed to intellectual insight of why the Yoruba are who they are and why traditional rulers are the engine of unity and togetherness.

The Oodua Festival also served as the venue of clarion call on the Yoruba race on the need for embarking on cultural–tourism revolution not for entertainment sake, but for economic growth and advancement.

A Professor of  Legal History, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, Professor Akinkunmi Alao  kicked  the ball rolling when he  called on traditional rulers in Yoruba land to commence a rigorous resuscitation of  the cultural heritage, traditional  value system and tourism assets in their domains for empowerment, employment, wealth stimulation, peace building and development.

Professor Alao who was the guest lecturer at the Oodua  Festival 2016 organised by Olokun Festival Foundation being promoted by Otunba Gani Adams  on Thursday, 21 January, 2016 at Enuwa, Ile–Ife said that God has propelled nature in depositing both tangible and intangible wonderful cultural tourism assets in Yoruba land only waiting to be  harnessed by the people.

“As the custodian of our cultural heritage, as the protectors and preservers of the value, culture, mores, norms and ethics, the onus of harnessing the values, the culture, the heritage, historical monuments and artefacts  for the benefits of the people and growth of the race falls squarely on you our traditional rulers.”

Professor Alao whose paper “Cultural and Socio Political Imperatives of Yoruba unity: The Pivotal role of Yoruba Monarchs “where he extensively traced the role and exposed the import of the monarchical system of the Yoruba race from the primordial time to the present day stimulated several applauses and public commendation from the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11.

In spite of the external and internal pressures and institutional dynamism, Obaship as an endured and remained eternally relevant and sought after as a necessary machinery of government among the Yoruba . The modernisation and sophistication of government especially in the period since 1960 could not displace the role traditional institution play in the ordering of society, definition of cultural values and in power relations.”

The OAU Don,  who spoke extensively on culture, Monarch and State in Nigeria, colonial manipulations, decolonisation and the chieftaincy institution, party politics and Chieftaincy institution, the military and the Chieftaincy Institution, Obaship in representative democracy, Obaship and the future called on the Yoruba monarchs to “be the champion of their people’s rights and privileges, in the management of relations within the Nigerian state, in resource allocation and in power relations, injury to one in Yoruba land must be considered and taken as injury to all.”

Professor Alao lauded the Ooni of Ife, for establishing and planting a major milestone in fostering unity in Yoruba land by his singular historical visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 11 in Oyo on Sunday 17 January 2016. Where “the two potentates and imperial Majesties made speeches that ordinarily signposted the dawn of a new era of love, peace, and unity in Yoruba land.”

Prof Alao charged all products of Yoruba race to “Let us all Yoruba open our hands, to change which is an inevitable companion of culture, but we should not let go of our values as a people and a race. Herein lies our survival and hope for a better tomorrow for ours and generation after.”

The 2016 Oodua Festival was specially organised and packaged being the first of the new Ooni of Ife Oba Ogunwusi who hosted the mammoth crowd and over 50 traditional rulers from Yoruba land and distinguished Nigerians.

Otunba Adams, the major promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation, commended Professor Alao for a “thoroughly researched and rich history of the import, importance and essence of our monarchs in cultural stability of the Yoruba race. I am delighted that cultural consciousness  of the race is being re awakened in all the sector of the society and once again thank the erudite scholar for this wonderful, highly illuminating and educative   paper.”

He described the emergence of Ooni Ojaja as a dawn of new era in Yoruba race “We are happy that our God raises nations to be. Our Lord who destroys nations and prospers races has raised for us an Oba who will take Nigeria to the promised land.” Oba Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, Ooni of Ife, has done what is unimaginable by visiting the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, 111, the Iku baba yeye in Oyo . This is a sign of good thing for the race.”

Otunba Adams called on Ooni Ojaja to as a matter of urgency “commence efforts at turning Ile–Ife into tourism haven.”

He pointed out “today our people spend huge sums of money to travel to Israel, Mecca, Rome and other cities across the world to visit heritage sites in those places. Meanwhile we have several sites in Ile-Ife all along dating back to the creation of the world. I beg kabiyesi to ensure sites  like the Oduduwa grove, Opa Oranmiyan, Moremi Ajasoro, Oke Itase, and several others sites are turned into tourists’ delight that will make Ife a global tourist destination.”

The Ooni Ojaja, Oba Ogunwusi who expressed delight at the packaging of the First Oodua Festival in the first year of his tenure commended Olokun Festival Foundation and Otunba Adams for rising to the challenge of preventing the colossal demise and death of Yoruba cultural festivals.

“I have to commend the spirit and giant strides of Otunba Adams in protecting, showcasing and revitalising Yoruba cultural festivals. This I will not only support but go many miles further at sourcing corporate sponsors for him. What Olokun Foundation is doing is for the Yoruba race and we have to see it blossoming. Adams is playing a historical cultural role in the annals of Yoruba race and we should not let him down. We should and will support him.”

The Ooni who spoke in fluent Yoruba enlisted Prof Alao as interpreter in English charged all Yoruba Obas to look inward and take an inventory of the cultural heritage and festivals in their towns for the era of polishing them for economic activity and brotherhood conviviality has come.

“I am happy to have witnessed this year’s O0dua Festival. I am glad at seeing the multitude of crowd, the several obas and traditional rulers, the wonderful cultural display, the members of Oodua Peoples Congress, who are in Ile-Ife in their thousands and the members of the Oodua Progressive Union, who flew in from different countries of the world to witness this festival of our progenitor in Ile-Ife. I am overwhelmed and it shows the beauty in our culture and festivals. I therefore call on Obas in Yoruba land to take an inventory of the cultural festivals in their domains and polish them for the glory of the race and benefits of the people. The Cultural Revolution has started. Aseyi samodun o.”

TOURISM

Brazil has a lot to offer Nigerians in cultural tourism —Consulate General by Wale Ojo Lanre

Brazil has a lot to offer Nigerians in cultural tourism —Consulate General

by Wale Ojo Lanre 

January 27, 2016

Written by: 

Wale Ojo Lanre, Nigerian Tribune 

   

The Consulate–General, Brazilian Embassy Nigeria, Her Excellency, Maria Figueiredo has declared that Brazil has a lot to offer Nigerians in the cultural tourism sector but regrettably,  not much of the opportunities are being accessed by the sector players.

Figueiredo disclosed this interview with the TTM in Ile-Ife where she called on Nigerians to ‘avail themselves of these opportunities .for the symbiotic benefits of the nation.

She pointed out that though Brazil and Nigeria have a long standing relationship on culture and trade but “It is not as geometric scale as expected”.

 Figueiredo revealed “Not that Nigerians are not scrambling for Brazilian visa or visit, but there is a dearth of genuine business-minded Nigerians particularly in the cultural–tourism and educational sector. There are many opportunities waiting to be explored in Brazil  in commerce, culture, transportation and particularly education”.

She disclosed “I am particularly interested in an increased level of cultural–tourism relationship and exchange between our great countries. There are many things we share and many things that are unique. An increase in the level of our relationship will allow a comparative  peer group benefits  which will be good for our citizens, the nations and the world”

Figueiredo said that the federal authority in charge of tourism and culture should establish close rapport   with the  Brazilian authority  because of the wealth of experience and know-how in the tourism  sector, adding that “Most of the tourists from Nigeria are either invited by the universities, government  or bodies, but I want a situation where there will be tourists in and out of the two countries”.

She revealed “majority of those who claim to be heading for Brazil under the cover of tourism are majorly migrants  who constitute illegality  in the country. This is not what I am saying. For there are lot of sites, cultural, historical, religious, ecotourism and wonderful sites in Brazil”.

“Our door is ajar for the consummate and business-oriented Nigerian who is ready to within the confine of legality explore any areas of business, development and growth. Brazil is home of the Africans. For you to know, African contribute descents 70 per cent of the population. Almost every one of us has the African blood running in our veins. So, I expect a better relationship between the citizen of the two countries”.

She called on parents in Nigeria to seek information about the educational opportunities in Brazil “Nigerians should obtain information about the educational system in Brazil which is not only qualitative, but free. Brazil offer free tuition in their universities and education institutions. I want Nigerians to avail themselves this information and make use of the opportunities”.

 The ambassador who  is in Nigeria for a second time posting disclosed “Nigeria is making steady progress and advancement in development and growth which the country should build on. This is my second time of working in Nigeria. I was here some years ago and now back, I  can tell say Nigeria, I mean Lagos  is now better than  my first experience here. The country is great with great people”.

She described Ile–Ife as “a  historical town of note which majority of the African descents in Brazil see as their root. It may interest you that I have been found to be  from Osun State and an Osun adherent. This is typical of any Brazilian. Ile–Ife is important and significant to a typical African descent fellow in Brazil”.

Talking about Nigeria cuisine, Figueiredo said that “Nigeria like Brazil has a lot of delicious meals. But for me, I am in love with akara,  kilishi and dodo Ikire”.

The Ambassador who said that she tasted Dodo Ikire for the first time, a day preceding this interview pointed out that   ‘it is not only tasty, but delicious. It is pure and tasteful. I love dodo Ikire and I will buy a lot whenever I am going to Brazil for my friends . I am sure they will love it”.

 She described her experience at the Ooni Palace as “a wonderful and spectacular packaging of cultural display by wonderful people in a wonderful manner which will remain evergreen in my memory”.

Figueiredo disclosed “We are going to open a new vista of relationship with the palace. The Ooni is a man of prodigious cultural consciousness and is bubbling  with ideas of how to employ culture and tourism in empowering his people, the Brazilian Embassy will be ready to help in germination of the ideas and linking the  palace with interested investors in Brazil. Also, you know, the Embassy will be ever ready to help in procurement and issuing of visas  to team from the palace to Brazil”.

She called on Nigerians wishing to travel to Brazil ‘our job here is to ensure that as many genuine Nigerians gained access to Brazil. We are here serving your interest. There is no need going through a third person or an agent. The Embassy is opened for you to seek information and get details of your interest in Brazil. We are here to protect the interest of Brazilians and establish good relationship with Nigerians in Nigeria and Nigerians going to Brazil. For I wish Nigeria what I wish my country”.

Oba establishes a free five - star hotel school for the poorest of the poor in Nigeria ! by Wale Ojo Lanre

Oba establishes a free  five - star hotel school  for the poorest of the poor in Nigeria ! by Wale Ojo Lanre   

January 25, 2016

   

Culled from the Tribune 

The school, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, is indeed one of its kind. Its uniqueness lies not only in the fact that the school is open to the less privileged, it provides quality education to both indigenes and non-indigenes of Osun State.  WALE OJO-LANRE reports his findings after being conducted on a tour of Oba Abolarin School.

As part of efforts to contribute towards national development, in line with the accepted fact that education is a stepping stone to greatness, a first class traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, Aroyinkeye II, Orangun of Oke-Ila, Ifedayo Local Government, Osun State, has set the standard for sustainable development, by establishing the Oba Abolarin School, located at Bamikole Dada way, off Oduduwa Road, Sapakin Area.

The school, which is best described as one of its kind in terms of structure, quality of education offered, and the unique attribute of providing education for the less privileged, targets street children, motorcycle operators, as well as those financially handicapped to access quality education.
Oba Abolarin School is a free boarding school, equipped with state of the art facilities, and at present, has 28 boys and 27 girls drawn from different towns such as Igbajo, Ororuwo, Aagba, Ada, Igbaye, in Osun  State, as well as wards from other states, but whose parents reside in Osun State.
To Oba Abolarin, every child counts, and paucity of funds should not hinder an individual from accessing proper education.
The setting up of the institution was announced to all by the monarch, during his enthronement, as part of his mission statement which focused on offering hope to children who roam the streets.
Some unique things about the school are its location, ambiance and structure. While one may assume that a school expected to cater to the less privileged would be quite simple, the school boasts of state-of-the-art facilities domiciled in a conducive environment.
‘Before now, accessing education was a distant dream’
Odeniyi Quawan, a student of the school, in an interview with Nigerian Tribune, speaking on the benefits the school has provided for him, noted that “I thought I was created by God and dumped on this earth to suffer, to slave and to die in penury. I thought I was branded to hawk for eternity or till Jesus comes back without having any opportunity to attend any educational institution in my life.
“It was tormenting then, when I saw my mates attending school, and I could not join them. I never thought that I, Quawan, a street hawker, would, one day, be a proud student of a luxuriously equipped school. I want to thank Oba Abolarin who raised and offered me hope, which in the not-too-distant past, was a dream.”
Miss Blessing Anefiok  Kaizer ,  a native of Akwa Ibom, whose parents are based in Oke-Ila, states that “The first time I set my feet on this school premises, I could not believe my eyes. I felt like I was in paradise. In fact, it’s more than paradise when you compare this environment with where I am coming from, and because of the fact that there is no private or public school that can boast of having such structure and facilities as found in Oba Abolarin College. It was like a dream. However, it dawned on me that it was not a dream when I passed the first night in a double-bunked bed with electricity being supplied by two powerful generators. I’m still so amazed that such an environment is actually made for the children of the poor.”
The school hall, best described as a hall of photo history, hosts historical pictures that tell and teach the students stories of politics and national life, as well as international entities who have contributed to global development.
Students of the school are a wonderful lot and will dazzle any visitor as they welcome people in fluent English. There are also performances as well as recitations in near-perfect French language.
‘We are training a globally acceptable set of students’
Speaking on the setting up of the school, Oba Abolarin stated that “We are training a globally acceptable set of students. UNESCO has declared English, French and Spanish as the three internationally recognised languages. Thus, we are preparing them to tap into the benefits of the world.”
Though the emphasis at the school is excellent education, made available by qualified and seasoned staff, proficient in educational principles and courses with copious access to instructional materials and facilities, Oba Abolarin School has not compromised in standards in any way.
Conducting Nigerian Tribune on a tour of the school, Oba Abolarin revealed that “It is a total educational package. We strive for the best in teaching and learning. We go for the best in nutritional provision and engage them in vocational, recreational and cultural – tourism – activities.”
And to attest to this, the reporter asked the class “Can anyone of you exhibit any cultural idea?”
Immediately, the class chorused the praise chant of Oba Adedokun Abolarin in traditional dialect, as well as that of the Ooni of Ife, which was also rendered beautifully.
“Here at Abolarin School, we are injecting abundant liveliness into supposedly lifeless expectation. It is all-round total education. It’s like producing gold and silver from mud. If you expect to see gaunt-looking, mean or hungry faces on the students, you’ll be shocked,” Oba Abolarin stated.
“We were not like this when some of us came here. Almost all of us, in fact, all of us you see as handsome and beautiful now were stone-faced, badly fed, hunger-stricken lads when we resumed here. I was a hawker of banana, and Kabiyesi will testify to the fact that it was in this school that I first tasted corn flakes and that day I vomited. But now, it’s my favourite. All thanks to Oba Abolarin School,” one of the students related.
As he narrated his first encounter with corn flakes, other students were happy to tell their first encounter and experience with meals like fried rice, noodles, oats, custard, toast bread, fried egg, and the use of cutleries.
“I can never conjure it in my deepest dream that, one day, I will eat with a set of cutlery in my life, not to talk of drinking tea, bread, custard, fried and poached eggs on regular basis. In fact, we cannot eat without our sets of cutlery any longer. The so called classy meals meant for the super rich are now our regulars, thanks to Abolarin School,” Ajinba Dolapo, one of the students enthusiastically revealed   while the others nodded.
Students exhibit discipline, orderliness
The level of discipline and orderliness which the students of the school have imbibed was displayed during lunch time when everyone congregated at the Ooni Sijuade dining hall. Each of them approached the kitchen, collected their food and ate with their cutleries, not hands.”
The astounding part was not the quantity of the wrap of eba, which one may qualify as an adult portion, as the writer was unable to finish his own, the expertise displayed with the use of cutleries by the hitherto street hawkers as if they were born with it, was equally amazing.
Afterwards, obviously a habit formed by strict training, each student packed and washed the plates, cleaned the tables and help in cleaning the kitchen.
“Here it is participatory education. All of them are good at cooking. Also, all of them are engaged in vocational training. Some of them have been making money from confectioneries during holidays; we are just helping to translate their dreams to realities,” Oba Abolarin stated.
Adewale Ronke, who has a dream of becoming a lawyer, stated that “I am sure I will become a lawyer. I am being tailored here to pursue a career, and I’m being monitored in Guidance and Counselling as well.  I thank God for the day Kabiyesi Abolarin was born. I got the form free and everything I enjoy in this school including the uniform, slippers, personal computer is free. If they are not free, how we can the children of the poor enjoy five star educational treatment, the best of its kind in Osun State?” 
Oba Abolarin revealed that “It is the spirit of God that is at work with this vision. All that is happening here is not only by my power but that of God and eminent and distinguished Nigerians who have seen the good in this project and have been there to assist and support. Most of these facilities are donations – the two generators, the PCs – and one of the children has been adopted for sponsorship by a friend. These are just some of the benefits enjoyed by the students.”
Continuing, he pointed out that “I have determined to build my own vision in these children instead of gallivanting or showing off at events and parties. I have the onerous responsibility to build a future with my little resources and the help of my dearest friends in these wonderful children of mine so that our society can enjoy freedom from liabilities, crime and waywardness. It is a worthwhile project which I implore every one of us to partner with and become agents of engendering a brighter future for hopeless souls. I count on every one to support me in this task of ensuring that every child counts. Join hands with me in the efforts at ensuring that the future starts now.”

Oba Abolarin discovers another Waterfall in Oke–Ila Orangun, Osun State , Nigeria ! by Wale Ojo Lanre

Oba Abolarin discovers another Waterfall in Oke–Ila Orangun!by Wale Ojo Lanre 

January 27, 2016

Written by: 

Wale Ojo Lanre

  

The new water fall

When a righteous man reigns, the rat breeds joyfully in the bush fish will consummate freely  like a fish inside the river while human earns  blessing from heaven, procreate bountifully, prosper lavishly,  enjoys life abundantly and blossoms in deeds, acts and words

These have been the lots of the indigenes and people of Oke-Ila Orangun, Ifedayo Local Government, Osun State, since the enthronement of Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, Aroyinkeye 11 as the king of the hitherto sleepy agrarian historic town.

One of the turning points which the town has witnessed since day one of his ascension of the throne is the reversal of the epithet “Sleepy’ which has been the adjunct for the town whenever it is  being referred to or mentioned in any article, the ‘sleepy’ adjunct has changed to’ vibrant town.

It is no longer Oke–Ila, the sleepy town in State of Osun, but now Oke–Ila, one of the most vibrant towns in Osun State.”

The vibrancy of Oke–Ila Orangun and its emergence as 21st century development oriented town is not just a wishful desire of momentous brain wave, but a Godly blessing and inspiration of the personality of the fellow who the people selected and who received the mercy of the Lord.

It also confirms the axiom that status of a post does not matter, but the mindset of the occupier.

It is trite that when a small man with small mind is given a house bigger than his size, he may reduce or collapse the house to fit his frame instead of looking or hiring part of it out to generate wealth, but when a big man is forced inside a cocoon because of his body and mind, expands and creates more space for himself and others.

The Bible affirms that when a righteous man reigns, the people rejoice.

Of course, the people of Oke–Ila has causes and reasons to rejoice in having an Oba who has been able to explore his cosmopolitan status in accentuating  their essence of life as proud indigenes and products of Oke–Ila, Who has equally made his people reign and the epicentre of his   rule. In applying his experience to transform the rawness of the environment to vivacity of municipality, has unveiled the socio-cultural tourism potentialities inherent in the community and which have been covered, buried and trampled upon in the past for the glory and respect of the people and the town.

Without missing his focus, Oba Adedokun started with the Isinro Festival, a pre-historical generational festival of culture, dance and tradition of the Oke-Ila people which his people have been hosting annually since the emergence of the town, but which its celebration has been localised and restricted.

Oba Abolarin said this must not be. And since, it has never be, Oba Abolarin has raised the bar of the celebration of Isinro   festival from a mere community convivial traditional festival to an international carnival of culture, tradition and communal reunion which attracts thousands of tourists and well wishers yearly to the town.

The internationalisation of Isinro festival by Oba Abolarin has cultivated the attention and focus from government and individual investors and has attracted to the town the establishment of another petrol station in responding to the quests of unceasing tourists as well as government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola  in tarring  the road network in the town.

The Ayinkunugba  Waterfall, one of the most soulful and thrilling waterfalls  in Nigeria is planted in the town by nature, but it takes the grace of God and the persistent value added efforts of Oba Abolarin that has helped in achieving the modicum of publicity and the cry for enhancement which this unquantifiable natural blessing has got recently.

The good news again from the vibrant town of Oke–Ila Orangun is the fact that Oba Abolarin’s  penchant for  digging out the natural blessing of the town has again yielded a stunning discovery of another waterfall in Oke–Ila!

This waterfall is shielded  away by a heavy, thick jungle of Ogan Forest which is located on the right part of the Oke –Ila Orangun bound road.

Oba Adedokun could not hide his feeling at the discovery of the waterfall and thus, he personally  led the writer  and other tourism buffs including the palace staff into the thick forest of Ogan.

Getting to the site of the waterfall provides an insight into Oba Abolarin’s favourite tourism slogan “RURAL OURISM”.

For the path to the waterfall harbours exciting ground for picnic, carnival under the canopy of plants and romantic spots .

The evidence of the fall was felt  by our ear’s drum which was hit by the sound of the fall on the floor.

“Kabiyesi, we are closer to the fall “Tope Eluyefa, one of the journalists on the trip noted.

 The just discovered waterfall though located in steep gorge offers different features from Ayinkunugba.

 It is only   accessible through the peak of a hill which offers a spectacular view of a fall down the stairs but having about four naturally  created swimming pool spots as it heads down in torrents.

The waterfall in Ogan Forest will adequately cater for picnickers and film makers who will find its features useful for the advancement of their endeavours.

Oba Abolarin who offered special prayers and thanked God for the blessing of the fall revealed that “It is not that we are unaware of water here, yes, there is Ogan water, but we never knew there is a fall here. We never knew that the fall is as beautiful as this. We never knew that we are again blessed by Almighty God with another fantastic natural tourism site. We never knew the magnitude of this fall, with unique features different from Ayinkunugba Waterfall”

He disclosed “I am happy about this. I will take the necessary step to intimate the chairman of my local government and also inform the Governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who has been so good to this town  about the new discovery. I thank my progenitors, the founder of this town, for locating us in a land full of blessings and natural wonders”.

TOURISM