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A former President of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs Ifeayinwa Omowole, was on Saturday installed the Yeye Omisewa of Araland in Osun.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Omowole was installed by the Alara Oodaye of Araland, Oba Adebisi Layade, at his palace in Ara, Ife South Local Government area of the state.
The traditional ruler said that the Oba-in-Council decided to choose Omowole for the chieftaincy because of her love for women and the fact that she had carried out several children empowerment in the town.
According to him, the newly-installed Yeye Omisewa has contributed immensely to the progress and development of the town.
He urged the new chief to further utilise the chieftaincy for the development of the community.
Layade said that the chieftaincy was the first of its kind, liking it to riverine title: Omisewa of Araland.
According to him, water is life, noting that the community is situated around a living spring and that the river therein flows to Osun Osogbo river and Ogun river, among others.
The traditional ruler said that the citizens of the town were predominantly farmers, planting cash crops for human benefits.
He urged Omisewa to use her capacity and connections to bring infrastructure to the community, as people had not been enjoying any government assistance.
“In this village, we lack electricity, good road, potable water, qualitative health facilities and standard schools, among others,” the royal father said.
In his speech, the Senior Special Adviser to Governor Gboyega Oyetola on Culture and Tourism, Mr Raheem Opesina, described the newly-installed Yeye Omisewa as a round peg in a round hole, noting that she was worthy of emulation and deserved the chieftaincy.
Opesina added that Omowole had been useful to the state in her advisory roles to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
“Omisewa Omowole deserved the chieftaincy because she’s interested in cultural activities and tourism.
“I knew this woman last year during Osun Osogbo festival; she advised us on ways of boosting the state economy through our ministry, which we have since been planning on.
“So, I am sure that this chieftaincy will benefit the people of this community, for she will surely bring some investors to the land and the state at large,” he stated.
“Responding, the newly-crowned Yeye Omisewa thanked the traditional ruler and the Oba-in-Council for the honour done to her, promising to bring more development to the land.
She expressed appreciation to the chiefs, her colleagues and other dignitaries who graced the occasion.
Omowole said that she would try everything within her capacity to standardise the village to the extent that foreigners would be coming for tourism.
“We Yoruba don’t value our culture and tradition, and many valuable things have eluded us. So, it is better we gear up and resuscitate our values, instead of deceiving ourselves.
“I will try to revive all the abandoned tourism sites to the extent that foreigners will be coming for them,” she said.
The installation was attended by staff members of NAN and NAWOJ national officers, led by its National President, Mrs Ladi Bala, Mrs Lilian Ogabi-Okonkwo, Deputy National President; Mrs Fatima Rasheed, Treasurer and Mrs Helen Udofa, Secretary.
Other NAWOJ officers present were: Mrs Nawoola Akingbehin, Vice-president, B Zone; Mrs Funmi Adekoya, Secretary, B Zone and Mrs Yinka Bode-Are, Assistant National Secretary.
Also in attendance were: Mr Sola Oladapo, Secretary, NUJ, Oyo State council; Mr Debo Osundun, SWAN Chairman, Lagos chapter; Mr Tunde Olalere, Secretary, NUJ, Lagos State council and Mr Akeem Abass, Treasurer, NUJ, Oyo State council, among others. (NAN)
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