By Charles Abere.
The Paramount Ruler of Usi-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedayo George Akande, the Olusi of Usi-kingdom, has called on the sons and daughters of the community to complement government efforts in uplifting the wellbeing of the people in diverse areas.
The monarch made this call during the 41st Usi-Day celebration
In his word, “this is when government is having so much in its hand to do. We have the duty to take care of ourselves to some extent so that we can complement what government is doing. My people have been doing a lot. I don’t need to tell them much. I only need to thank them and ask them to continue”
Usi-Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was agog on Saturday 6th August, 2022 as the indigenes of the town, home and abroad came together in their good numbers to be part of the celebration.
Oba Akande, while speaking on the significance of the Day, explained that the Day has to do with the homecoming and renewal of friendship for sons and daughters of the town.
According to the Kabiyesi, it’s a day we all come together as a people, all families to appreciate the past, look into the future on what next to do”, saying it’s all about general appraisal.
Speaking on the 40th Usi-Day celebration which Olusi described as landmark, great and powerful, the monarch said he was highly impressed and grateful to God that the turn out for this year Usi Day celebration which happened to be 41st was also successful. He urged his people to keep the flag flying as he implored them not to relent.
At the occasion, some prominent illustrious indegenes of the town were conferred with different honours in which Chief Aina Olugbenga, was installed as Asojuoba of Usi-Ekiti Kingdom.
Reacting on his Chieftancy installation, the US based Asojuoba of Usi-Ekiti, said he likes making contribution to everything going on back home towards the development of the town.
He appreciated Kabiyesi, the Olusi of Usi Kingdom and Olusi in Council, for recognising him to be the Asojuoba of Usi-Ekiti.
On how he felt about the chieftaincy title,, he said he was surprised when he got the letter despite the fact that he knew that it’s an honour well deserved.
He promised to make good use of his new status to bring all the sons and daughters of Usi town in different places back home and develop the town. Just as he promised to do more than he has been doing in the past to make Usi-Ekiti a better place to live.
Also, the former Commissioner for Health in Ekiti State and the present Federal Commissioner, representing South West, Nigeria, Hon Dr. Mojisola Yaya-kolade, who was there to grace the event and to honour his brother, Chief Gbenga Aina, remarked that the Day was really awesome.
She equally described the event as a beautiful celebration, adding that the honour conferred on Asojuoba was well deserved considering his commitments to everything in Ekiti and Usi Kingdom in particular,
According to Yaya-kolade, ‘Gbenga is a very good young man. I have known him close to thirty years now. He is always supportive. We were in America together before coming back home. I call him my junior brother. I can confidently say that Usi people are lucky to have him as a son.
In her message to the people of the town, the Commissioner urged all the indigenes of the town to make use of the best opportunity they have.
“When you leave home, you should not forget home. Some of us left. We were in America together but we still came home to serve. Apart from serving in Ekiti, I am currently serving Nigerians at the Federal level and Gbenga does that too. You don’t have to be appointed to serve. Try to be diligent, dedicated in whatever you do and you will be successful” Dr. Kolade advised.
The Project Coordinator of Ekiti State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (EK-RAAMP), Hon. Sunday Adunmo. In his own view, explained that the people of Usi-Ekiti are so United and passionate about the Day, home and abroad.
“The celebration to me every year is uncommon. Believe you me, I have been a witness for some years now because I belong to Ijana family of Usi-Ekiti”.
Adunmo, also admonished the people to remain United, committed and be futuristic, that’s believing in the future of the community.
