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.
