Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has called on all Awori indigenes to work in unity and preserve their heritage to take its rightful place in the national consciousness.
Salako-Oyedele made the call on Friday, while declaring open the 2024 Awori Summit at the OPIC Event Centre, Isheri Olofin.
She noted that it was important to focus on leadership, education, and economic development in order to project the Awori image and deepen their role in nation-building.
Speaking on the theme of the summit, “Projecting Awori Image in Nation Building,” the Deputy Governor described it as apt and historically relevant to Awori, emphasizing the need for all indigenes of the area to ensure the socio-economic advancement of the land.
She encouraged key players and elders in the area to build strong relationships within the Awori community, saying their partnership would stand as a strength for future generations.
While applauding the convener of the summit, the Olofin of Isheri, Oba Sulaimon Bamgbade, for the initiative, Salako-Oyedele noted that it was a strategic approach towards promoting the rich culture of the Aworis, urging its leaders to support the move and ensure that it becomes a platform for meaningful action, rather than just discussions.
In his keynote speech, a former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun (SAN), implored the Aworis to be resilient and ensure harmonious relationships for them to be reckoned with, emphasizing the need to sponsor a documentary about their culture and traditions.
Earlier, Chairman of the Summit Committee, Abdulsemiu Yusuff, said the event became necessary to build a viable and strong Awori tribe, noting that the land was a God-given abode of wealth to both indigenes and non-indigenes.
