Glo Celebrates 20 Years of Ojude Oba Sponsorship with Cars, Tricycles, and More in Ijebu Ode
It was a moment of joy and grandeur in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Sunday as telecommunications giant, Globacom, marked its 20th consecutive sponsorship of the iconic Ojude Oba Festival with a spectacular celebration that included the presentation of cars, tricycles, and other valuable items to members of the Ijebu community.
The event, which held at the expansive Oba Sikiru Adetona Pavilion, attracted thousands of attendees, including the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa; and the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Olorogun Sunny Kuku.
This year’s edition was especially memorable as nearly 100 Regberegbe groups dazzled the crowd in a colourful competition of elegance, unity, and cultural expression. Each group, representing various age-grade associations, showcased traditional attire and paid homage to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, in a parade of honour steeped in history and reverence.
The Balogun families also thrilled spectators with their spirited horse displays, a symbolic act that underscores the age-long tradition of loyalty and celebration after the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
Governor Abiodun, in his goodwill message, praised the Awujale’s over six-decade reign as one of "purposeful leadership, progressive vision, and unwavering commitment to the upliftment of Ijebuland and Ogun State." In her remarks, Minister Musawa described the festival as “a shining testament to the richness of Nigeria’s cultural diversity and the resilience of traditional institutions.”
As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, Globacom rewarded several individuals with top prizes. Among the beneficiaries were two recipients of brand-new cars: Opeoluwa Osisanwo, a 52-year-old member of Egbe Tobalase Okunrin and Secretary of the Ojude Oba Festival Planning Committee, and Idowu Olabisi, a trader from Ijebu Igbo.
Opeoluwa, who emerged through a community nomination process as the most outstanding young leader in Ijebuland, expressed surprise and gratitude. “I never knew people were watching me. I was just serving my land of birth to the best of my ability,” he said, while appreciating the Awujale and members of the committee for trusting him despite being the youngest.
Idowu, visibly overwhelmed with joy, said the car was an unexpected blessing. “Globacom gave me a spectacular Eid gift. I never imagined I’d be going home with a brand-new car,” she said.
Additionally, four brand-new tricycles (Keke) were given to winners from across the region. The lucky recipients included Hassan Toheeb, a businessman from Ijebu Itele; Adenike Olanrewaju, a plank seller at Molipa; Gazal Temitope, a trader in Olisa; and Lawal Tosin, a carpenter in Ijebu Ode.
Other items distributed included power generators, grinding machines, sewing machines, and bags of premium Basmati rice, which were shared among the various Regberegbe groups.
Globacom’s continuous support for the Ojude Oba Festival has not only preserved a treasured cultural heritage but also empowered countless lives in Ijebuland, reinforcing its commitment to tradition, community, and celebration.
