The Director General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency SMEDAN , Mr Charles Odii has said that the essence of having traditional institutions in our society cannot be overlooked.
He made this known on Wednesday at the Federal University Of Technology,Akure during this year’s ULEFUNTA FESTIVAL annual lecture delivered by the Director General of the agency.
Speaking on the theme : Food Security, Wealth Creation and National Development: Building Strategic Partnership Between Traditional Institutions and Intervention Agencies “
The keynote lecture speaker emphasized that, traditional rulers have roles to play in the area of being the link between the agencies of government and the local farmers , young men and women in the community.
He said further that, a community known for agricultural production can develop a cluster involving farmers , processors, packaging businesses, transporters equipment providers and marketers.
Odii concluded that such an approach can increase productivity, reduce costs ,create employment and improve access to Market
Earlier at the Obafemi Awolowo auditorium of the University, venue of the program, the host, Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi Ogunlade , has eulogized the indigenes of the land for their cooperation towards the actualization of the festival.
The traditional ruler said that though the festival had been in existence for over one thousand years, formerly known as Oyemekun Day but now, transformed to ULEFUNTA.
The Royal Father encouraged and imployed the participants most especially,the farmers to see themselves as lucky fellows in making use with the opportunity avail them by the agencies of government through the assistance that shall be granted to them.
Also, the planning Committee Chairman of the Occasion, Olu Adekunle Ajanaku appreciated all and sundry for the supports and highlighted the encouragement the festival has done on the youths across the three Akure speaking Communities namely, Ifedore, Akure North and Akure South.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Adenike Temidayo Oladiji said the institution will continually be grateful to Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi Ogunlade for his fatherly role in moving the institution forward at all times.
She said the University will always be ready to champion the course of Akure tradition all time ,since culture is way of life
The Occasion was spiced with cultural display by Akure South Local government Cultural troop and other side attractions.
Other Personalities at the occasion were :
Oba Olu Falae, CFR, GCON, the Oluabo of Ilu Abo
Chief Engr Alfred Adejo
Chairman OSACA Ondo State
Mr Adedeji Olusanya
Bank Of Agriculture
Mr Christian Ekwenna
BOI
and host of others
