By Ishola Balogun
The Olota of Otta, His Majesty Professor Adeyemi AbdulKabir Obalanlege, PhD, FHEA (Lanlege Ekun II, Arole Iganmode, Olofin Apesin Olode), has reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment in the ancient Awori Kingdom, highlighting scholarships, vocational training, and skill acquisition programs as central to his reign.
Speaking ahead of his 60th birthday celebrations slated for August 28, 2026, the monarch disclosed that the palace has awarded scholarships to many youths while also distributing equipment to artisans in trades such as carpentry and mechanics. “At the end of the trainings, equipment were distributed, such as tailoring, welding equipment and others. Even the Presidency has built a skill acquisition centre for us. Now when you get there, we have Ogun State job centre. We also have training facility for youths in catering,” he said.
Oba Obalanlege further revealed that the palace is collaborating with Covenant University to establish a mobile phone assembly plant within the skill acquisition centre, a project he believes will create new opportunities for young people in Otta.
As part of activities leading to his milestone birthday, the Olota hosted select journalists to a media luncheon at his residence last Tuesday. The event was both a gesture of appreciation to the press and a platform for candid engagment on heritage, leadership, and the evolving role of traditional institutions. “The media plays a vital role in shaping society and preserving history,” the monarch noted, reflecting on his journey as a scholar of Mass Communication and his ascension to the throne of his forefathers.
During the interactive session, he commended companies operating in Otta for their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. “Whenever we engage the companies, they always respond positively. For example, Euroglobal has been responsible for repairing Tower Road at the Industrial Estate, while Tower Aluminium recently donated two electric transformers to communities. They have been trying their best,” he said.
He also spoke on ongoing infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of the Sango-Ota-Idi Iroko road and construction of flyovers at Oju Ore and Winners, facilitated by Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan Yayi. “By August, when the rains slow down, construction will speed up, and hopefully before December, we can have a new Otta,” he assured.
Aare Ayodele Bankole, Chairman of the Olota’s 60th Birthday Planning Committee, described the luncheon as “a prelude to the grand celebrations in August,” noting that the anniversary will spotlight the monarch’s contributions to academia, culture, and community development.
The forthcoming celebrations are expected to draw dignitaries, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond, marking a significant milestone in the reign of a monarch who continues to bridge tradition and modernity while investing in the future of his people.
