President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on the people of Remoland to strengthen cooperation with their Ijebu kinsmen as efforts intensify towards the creation of the proposed Ijebu-Remo State, insisting that unity and peace are indispensable to the success of the initiative.
Akpabio made the appeal on Friday at the 2025 Remo Day celebration held at the Akarigbo Pavilion in Sagamu, where traditional rulers, political leaders and indigenes gathered under the theme, One People, Diverse Cultures, One Identity. He described the Remo people as industrious and enterprising, noting that their longstanding culture of collaboration has been central to the area’s industrial growth.
He said harmonious relations within Remoland and with Ijebu communities would strengthen the credibility of the state creation push, assuring that the National Assembly would support aspirations pursued through consensus and stability. While declining to comment on the potential location of a state capital, the Senate President stressed that peace would ultimately shape such strategic decisions.
Akpabio said Remo Day transcends cultural celebration, serving as a platform for collective reflection and strategic thinking on development. He added that his participation symbolised Nigeria’s unity across ethnic boundaries, arguing that diversity, when properly harnessed, remains a strength in nation-building.
On national issues, the Senate President expressed optimism that insecurity would soon abate, maintaining that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working assiduously to tackle the country’s security challenges. He commended the President for pursuing reforms amid economic headwinds and pledged continued legislative collaboration with the executive to stabilise and reposition the nation.
Akpabio also praised Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for what he described as sustained infrastructural progress, singling out the Gateway International Airport as a landmark project capable of transforming the state’s economic fortunes.
In his remarks, Abiodun said Remoland is endowed with illustrious sons and daughters who have contributed significantly to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria. He noted that the large turnout at the event underscored the unifying power of culture, warning that societies that lose touch with their roots risk eroding their identity.
The governor highlighted key projects executed in Remoland, including the Sagamu–Iperu–Ode–Sapaade Road, and announced that international cargo operations would commence at the Gateway International Airport next month. He said the development would boost logistics, create thousands of jobs and position the area as a leading agro-processing and export hub in West Africa.
Earlier, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, said Remo Day was instituted to celebrate, preserve and project Remo culture globally. He noted that Remo sons and daughters have excelled across diverse fields, adding that the people’s identity has remained resilient over time.
Oba Ajayi reaffirmed Remoland’s commitment to preserving its heritage while working with stakeholders towards the actualisation of the proposed Ijebu-Remo State. He also expressed appreciation to Governor Abiodun for partnering with Remo indigenes to construct the palace pavilion, which will host major cultural and civic events.
The second edition of Remo Day attracted dignitaries from across the country and featured colourful masquerade displays, homage-paying by age grades and associations, and the ceremonial opening of the palace pavilion, reinforcing culture as both a unifying force and a catalyst for development.
