events

Akpabio celebrates Gowon’s 91st birthday with tribute

Published

1 year ago

October 20, 2025

Akpabio celebrates Gowon’s 91st birthday, praising his unity-driven legacy and ‘No Victor, No Vanquished’ policy after Nigeria’s civil war

Akpabio celebrates Gowon’s 91st birthday, hailing the former Head of State’s enduring legacy of unity and peace in Nigeria’s post-civil war era.

Also read: Okpebholo congratulates Oba Ewuare on anniversary

In a heartfelt statement released in Abuja on Monday, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, extolled General Yakubu Gowon’s commitment to keeping Nigeria united — both during his tenure and long after leaving office.

Akpabio particularly highlighted Gowon’s historic “No Victor, No Vanquished” policy, introduced at the end of the Biafran War, describing it as a beacon of national healing that continues to inspire generations.

“On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate and the 10th National Assembly, I heartily rejoice with our former Head of State, His Excellency, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, as he marks his 91st birthday. It is a thing of joy to see him reach this significant milestone in life,” Akpabio said.

He added: “Your leadership during and after Nigeria’s civil war continues to shape our history. Your ‘No Victor, No Vanquished’ philosophy remains a powerful message of reconciliation.”

The Senate President also lauded Gowon’s commitment to peace-building, inter-generational dialogue and national cohesion, calling it “deeply relevant in today’s political landscape.”

“Your legacy as a statesman and unifier remains an enduring inspiration. I pray God grants you many more years in good health and wisdom. Happy birthday, Your Excellency,” he concluded.

Also read: Okpebholo congratulates Oba Ewuare on anniversary

General Gowon, Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1966 to 1975, is widely respected for steering the country through the civil war and for his efforts to reintegrate and rebuild the nation after the conflict.

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events

Oluna’s Ifa Festival Draws Pasuma, Malaika to Owode Egba

Published

2 days ago

November 2, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Oluna Ifa Festival 2026 brought Pasuma, Malaika, Ibrahim Chatta and other celebrities to Owode Egba for a two-day cultural celebration

Owode Egba in Ogun State became a centre of cultural celebration on October 30 and 31, 2026, as the families of High Chief Ayoola Adeyi Olaifa, the Olu Nla, also known as Oluna of Owode Egbaland, hosted a two-day Ifa Festival featuring prominent Fuji musicians, Nollywood personalities and traditional rulers.

Also read: Ajaero Insists NLC Can Negotiate Alone in Labour Dispute

The event, tagged Ifa Festival ’26, was organised around the theme of heritage, music and community, bringing together residents, visitors and entertainment personalities for two days of cultural activities and live performances.

The first day of the celebration took place at Olunla Villa, Balogun Quarters, Owode Egba, with Fuji musician Sulaimon Alao Malaika leading the entertainment.

He was joined by Alhaji Saheed Bamidele, popularly known as Ife Arawe, guest artiste Olariiki and Awise Mass Kenny, also known as Eyinju Oganla.

Activities continued on Saturday, October 31, at All Saint School 1, Owode Egba, with a bigger entertainment line-up led by Fuji star Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, popularly known as Oganla.

Other performers included Segun Johnson and T.I Blaze, while Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta was scheduled to make a special appearance.

Yemi Olade and Kukoyi Adedoyin served as masters of ceremonies for the second day’s programme.

The festival also featured a strong traditional and royal presence. Oba Kolawole Arewa Sowemimo, the Gbadewolu 1 and Olu of Owode Egbaland, was named Royal Father of the Day, while Chief Otunba Michael Oluwole Soretire chaired the occasion.

The gathering brought together traditional leadership and contemporary entertainment, highlighting the role of cultural festivals in celebrating community identity and connecting different generations.

With Fuji performances, celebrity appearances and the presence of traditional rulers, Ifa Festival ’26 provided a platform for residents and visitors to celebrate the heritage and communal spirit of Owode Egbaland.

Also read: Ajaero Insists NLC Can Negotiate Alone in Labour Dispute

The organisers described the event as an opportunity to celebrate culture, tradition and the identity of the community, placing Owode Egba’s cultural heritage at the centre of the two-day gathering.