Connect with us

society

Olowu Kuta @60: My Biggest Dream Is To See My Kingdom Transformed Into Megacity

Published

on

Olowu Kuta @60: My Biggest Dream Is To See My Kingdom Transformed Into Megacity

 
 
On Sunday, 14th of July, 2024, the ancient town of Kuta in Osun State, went live as town’s monarch, the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hameed Oyelude, CON, Tegbosun III, welcomed dignitaries from across Nigeria for the celebration of his 60th birthday.
 
The list of the VIPs was topped by the name of former Nigeria’s president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, former governor of the state, Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun, the Ooni of Ife, HIM Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the executive chairman of Federal Character Commission, Dr. Muheeba Dankaka. 
 
Others were fellow traditional rulers; the  Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, the Emir of Biu, Midala Umar, amongst several other prominent names.
 
Speaking in this interview with the Editor, Oba Makama shared his joy at making 60 as well as having such important dignitaries honouring him for the celebration. Read on…
 
 
Olowu Kuta @60: My Biggest Dream Is To See My Kingdom Transformed Into Megacity
Congratulations on your birthday Kabiyesi. On the list of your 60th birthday gig attendance were top names from different phases of life, including governor, kings, former president, former governor and big players in the business sector. How do you feel seeing them honouring you?
You call it 60, I call it another year. I really don’t feel 60 and I don’t look it. I thank God, He has been very faithful in my life. Nobody would be able to guess my age if I don’t tell them, based on my look. So, it’s just another milestone in life and I’m happy. I will continue to look after my health, exercise more and rededicate myself more to the service of my kingdom and humanity in general.
Turning 60 years of age is a milestone. How would you explain your feeling at 60 in terms of age and experiences on the throne?
I feel highly elated having arrays of people, very important personalities in the country, attending my landmark birthday occasion. I feel super happy seeing people from diverse backgrounds, from all walks of life honouring me.
What is your biggest dream for Kuta kingdom in twenty years time?
My biggest dream for Kuta Kingdom is to see it transformed into a megacity. This is my own London, this is my own Paris, this is my own Abuja and this is my own Lagos. I will continue to work hard to see Kuta transformed, like I said, into a megacity.
What is your favourite music?
When it comes to music; I love traditional music. I mean traditional genres like Apala, Juju and Fuji. I love them. And, at times, I enjoy Hausa music very well, like Dr. Mamman Shata, Dangworo, Dan Indo, and others.
In spite of your open nature, there still may be some qualities people don’t know about you. Would you like to share one or two with the public?
Not everybody can assess you and give accurate assessment of you except those who are close to you very well. Some of the qualities that some people don’t really know about me is that I put people first before myself. For example; there are times numerous when I would have about a million naira and people would come with various private issues and I would give out even more than a million naira. I would share it all, forgetting that I have a family to cater to or that I have to keep some for my emergency needs. Also, I don’t postpone whatever my instinct tells me to do. If there’s a need for me to do it and I have it, I do it almost immediately. I don’t tell you to go and come back for the help. That has contributed hugely to my social investments. That is why I’m being made a patron of various social groups.
The country is facing challenges from various angles. At the centre of this crisis are the youths. How would you encourage fellow kings as custodians of their domains in ensuring that the youths are not provoked to engage in untoward actions out of grievance?
We’re talking to ourselves within the council of Obas across the Southwest and we’re doing all we can do within our reach to making sure that the youths are encouraged to do better and discouraged from being tools for destruction. Our youths are our future, they’re the future of this country. Any country that neglects its youths is doomed to fail. So, we would continue to strive hard within the limited resources available to us to ensure that our youths are given the right place to excel and are well catered for. That’s why we keep advocating to the government to prioritize anything that has to do with our youths. They are the future of this nation and we’re not relenting.
What more activities are you going to rededicate yourself to from now in developing Kuta kingdom and your subjects?
As for now, I will continue to dedicate myself vigorously toward activities that will engender peace, activities that will bring about peace and unity like I have always done. I will redouble my efforts and refocus my attention towards doing things that guarantee development for my kingdom. I want to be more dedicated towards promoting the Yoruba culture and tradition in order to preserve the traditional institution from being diminished or erased.

society

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

Published

on

 

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

Continue Reading

society

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Published

on

 

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

 

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

 

 

 

 

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

 

 

 

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

 

 

 

 

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

 

 

 

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

 

 

 

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

 

 

 

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

 

 

 

 

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

 

 

 

 

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

 

 

 

 

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

 

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

Continue Reading

society

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

Published

on

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

 

 

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

 

 

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Oyo State wing of the union described the situation as increasingly distressing, particularly following the emergence of a video allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims pleading for their freedom.

 

 

The union said the footage had heightened fears over the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

 

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

According to the NUT, no child or teacher deserves to be subjected to such traumatic experiences, adding that the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to inflict psychological pain on their families, colleagues and the wider education community.

 

 

 

The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.

 

 

“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.

 

 

While acknowledging ongoing interventions by security agencies and government authorities, the union stressed that time was of the essence, warning that every additional day in captivity deepens the trauma suffered by the victims.

 

 

The NUT urged security operatives to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.

 

 

It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.

 

 

 

“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.

 

 

Reaffirming its support for the families of the victims, the NUT pledged continued solidarity and prayers while advocating safer learning environments across the country.

 

 

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending