In a remarkable fusion of cultural celebration and community development, His Royal Majesty Oba Musiliu Abiola Oliwo, the Aladepekun of Odo-Egiri Kingdom in Eredo LCDA, Lagos State, used the occasion of the annual Eebi Festival to empower young artisans with essential start-up tools.
EpeInsights gathered that during the festival, Oba Oliwo distributed work equipment to local youths hairdressers, tailors, barbers, and bricklayers, who had completed vocational training but lacked the resources to launch their own businesses.
“This means everything to me,” said one beneficiary, a young hairdresser who received a professional hairdryer and straightener. “Now I can finally start my business and stop relying on others.”
The monarch highlighted the importance of investing in skilled youth for sustainable development:
“Our young people are full of potential. With the right tools, they can build not only their own futures but also contribute meaningfully to the growth of Odo-Egiri,” he said.
The gesture was widely praised by community members and leaders, who commended Oba Oliwo for blending tradition with forward-looking leadership.
The initiative, introduced during a celebration of heritage, added a powerful social dimension to the Eebi Festival, offering both inspiration and opportunity.
Oba Oliwo also called on philanthropists, corporate bodies, and well-meaning individuals to support youth development efforts.
“Culture is not only about honoring the past—it’s also about building a better tomorrow,” he stated.
This bold step by the traditional ruler stands as a shining example of how culture, when creatively harnessed, can become a platform for empowerment and community progress.
