By Our Correspondent
The Executive Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Amb. Adesina 'Lanre Ogunsola, FCPA, has received international recognition after being honoured as a special guest at the 2026 Pan-African Drum Festival held at the Wesley Banquet Hall, North York, Toronto, Canada.
The recognition came as the council chairman intensified efforts to position Obafemi Owode Local Government as a destination for international collaboration in agriculture, cultural promotion and economic development.
Speaking during the colourful cultural event, Amb. Ogunsola expressed appreciation to the Government of Canada, the organisers of the festival, members of the Nigerian community in Canada and Africans from across the continent for promoting African heritage and unity through culture.
He used the occasion to showcase the rich cultural identity of Obafemi Owode Local Government, describing the council as an integral part of Egbaland with a proud history rooted in the traditions of the Egba Ake people.
The chairman called on Africans in the diaspora, particularly indigenes of Obafemi Owode Local Government, to invest in preserving and promoting their cultural heritage through arts, traditions and cultural festivals. According to him, such investments would not only strengthen cultural identity but also create opportunities for tourism, economic growth and community development.
He assured participants of his administration's commitment to reviving and sustaining the cultural values that have defined the people of the area for generations.
Amb. Ogunsola also highlighted the significance of Obafemi Owode Local Government as the traditional home of the annual Lisabi Day celebration, noting that the revered Igbo Lisabi Shrine is located in Oba, one of the districts within the council area.
Earlier, the Chief Organiser of the Pan-African Drum Festival, Prince Segun Akanni, commended the Canadian government for creating an environment where multiculturalism is embraced and celebrated.
He thanked Amb. Ogunsola for honouring the invitation to participate in the festival, describing the chairman's presence as a reflection of his passion for cultural development and grassroots leadership.
Akanni reaffirmed the organisers' commitment to reconciliation, inclusion and mutual respect among diverse communities, while appreciating traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials and guests for supporting the event.
On the sidelines of the festival, Amb. Ogunsola held a strategic meeting with the Mayor of Brampton, His Worship Patrick Brown, where both leaders discussed opportunities for collaboration between Brampton and Obafemi Owode Local Government.
During the engagement, the council chairman outlined the enormous agricultural and agribusiness potential of Obafemi Owode, describing the local government as the commercial gateway to Ogun State and a critical contributor to Nigeria's industrial development.
He advocated stronger partnerships that would encourage investment in agriculture, facilitate cultural exchange programmes and promote mutually beneficial economic initiatives between both communities.
Responding, Mayor Patrick Brown welcomed the proposal and praised Amb. Ogunsola's leadership, describing him as a distinguished local government chairman whose commitment to grassroots development has earned international recognition.
Brown noted that deeper cooperation between Brampton and Obafemi Owode would strengthen diplomatic ties, expand cultural exchanges and reinforce the enduring relationship between Nigeria, Canada and the wider African diaspora.
The mayor expressed optimism that such partnerships would open new opportunities in agriculture, culture and community development while fostering lasting friendship between both jurisdictions.
The Executive Chairman was accompanied on the trip by the Chief Whip of the Obafemi Owode Local Government Legislative House, Hon. Abdullateef Adekunle, among other members of his delegation.
The visit is expected to further advance Obafemi Owode Local Government's drive to attract global partnerships capable of stimulating investment, promoting its rich cultural heritage and accelerating socio-economic development.
