Ijesa Society Celebrates‎ Owa Haastrup, Ajimoko III's @ 77.. Celebrant Appreciates Ijesa Elites... Makes Case For Empowering Ijesa Youth Via Artisanal Education.. Advices On Long And Successful Entrepreneurs' Life (VIDEO & PHOTOS)

The Ijesa Society in Lagos on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Muson Centre, Lagos, organized a three-in-one event, that featured the public presentation of a book, THE HISTORY OF IJESA TOWNS AND COMMUNITIES: THE PEOPLE, LAND AND HERITAGE; the celebration of the 77^th natal day of the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III and the launch of a N1 billion iconic building to be built in the heart of Lagos called Osomaalo House.

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‎High Chief Lateef Akande Bakare, the Ajirowa of Ijesaland, is the President of The Ijesa Society, the masterminds and sponsor of the book and Osomaalo House.

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^{His Imperial Majesty Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III while delivering an offhand address at the occasion}reflected on the undertakings of contemporary Ijesaland elitist class before his ascension to the exalted throne of the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, describing them as a blessing to him.

The monarch as well made case for the establishment of School of Artisans at the new University of Ilesa. He also advised on how the present day entrepreneurs can enjoy long live mixed success in business ventures.

VIDEO: Click 👆 the image to watch

Transcript below:

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"‎I thank God Almighty for I'm blessed for having you at a time like this. Some years back, politics has devided Ijesa, there was that dichotomy, but by the time I came, the Ijesa elites have all put those things behind and they've been working assiduously to make Ijesa great again.

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"‎We've been unlucky. We are one of the leading communities in Yorubaland even in Nigeria. We have been known for our successes, but during different states creation exercise we've been unlucky not to be capital of one of such states. That not withstanding, our elites are determined to bring back Ijesa glory by their self efforts and generous contributions.

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"‎They've built a a very beautiful palace by their own resources. In fact when they were raising funds for the palace and they approached me, I decided not to contribute because, I believe if I do, they will say 'ah! O fe joba ni'. So, I didn't want people to focus on me because I wasn't interested to be the Owa then. But, instead, when they have contributed to different programs such as the Geriatric Hospital, Students loans, students facilities in different institutions and to the success of the new Ilesa University. When they approached me for Ijesa Trauma and Accident exercise, I contributed generously. I thank you very sincerely, but, I will also plead 'It is not over until it is over '.

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"‎Not being a capital, we've lost a lot of grounds. So there's a lot yet ahead of us. I'm happy, you elites are doing your best so that we can capture and I promise by the grace of God that I will also use my experience and God-given to move Ijesa forward.

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"‎With the Osomalo House and other things in plan, I will still be asking for your favor, for your support on one other thing in my mind other than things I could do alone. That is The School of Artisans that I want us to have in our new University.

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"‎As somebody in construction, I realize that there's a lot of vacuum in that sector and when you have people from Ghana, Togo and moreso, Chinese, their laying of tiles, plumbing, just name it in the industry, they are far better than our people. So, I will start and I will also beg for your support.

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"‎The School of Artisans, I believe will also enhance employment for our teeming youth. It's not training them alone, it is also supporting them to spread out in various fast growing areas of Nigeria; Port harcourt, Kaduna, Sokoto, everywhere, so that they can easily dominate that industry.

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"‎In Europe, they will tell you "Jack of all trades, master of none", but I used to respond that in Nigeria in Nigeria, if you are not Jack of all trades and you rely on only on source of livelihood, one government policy can throw you off your feet and that business is gone.

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"‎There is also a key factor within a good 'Jack of all trades'. You must learn to trust people. You must be able as a good entrepreneur and intelligent person, be able to psyche people and know their character; what they are capable of doing. Once, you identify good people, they can help you run your various businesses."

All Photos Credit; Isaac Haastrup

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