The Odemo of Isara-Remo, His Royal Majesty Oba Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo (Otete III), has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Isara into a leading commercial and cultural destination in Ogun State, unveiling an ambitious development vision tied to the forthcoming 57th AFOTAMODI Festival.

The monarch spoke during the inauguration of the festival planning committee, where he emphasized the need for collective efforts toward building a more prosperous and modern Isara capable of attracting investment, creating employment opportunities and improving the standard of living of residents.

According to the royal father, the development of Isara remains a top priority of his administration, with special focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and economic expansion.

“We are determined to build an Isara that reflects the aspirations of its people and competes favorably with other emerging communities across the country. The future of our town depends on the actions we take today,” the monarch said.

Chairman of the 57th AFOTAMODI Festival Planning Committee, Mr. Eric Ola-Animashaun Sonupe, disclosed that the committee has set a fundraising target of ₦500 million to execute projects and activities designed to elevate the status of the annual cultural celebration.

He noted that one of the flagship projects under consideration is the renovation and modernization of the Odemo’s Palace into a world-class traditional institution befitting the status of Isara as one of the oldest settlements in Remoland.

Sonupe explained that beyond celebrating culture and tradition, this year’s AFOTAMODI Festival would serve as a strategic platform for promoting the town’s economic potential and attracting local and foreign investors.

“We are positioning AFOTAMODI as a vehicle for development. We want to showcase Isara’s strengths, highlight opportunities for investment and project the town as a destination for business, tourism and culture,” he said.

The committee chairman also revealed plans for a variety of activities, including cultural exhibitions, sports competitions, educational programmes, medical outreach services, fashion showcases, pageantry and musical performances by leading Nigerian artistes.

He called on sons and daughters of Isara, corporate organizations and development partners to support the initiative, stressing that the success of the festival would depend largely on collective participation.

The 57th AFOTAMODI Festival is expected to draw dignitaries, investors, tourists and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond, further strengthening Isara’s position as a growing centre of culture, commerce and community development.

The Planning Committee of the Afotamodi Day Festival, Isara-Remo, has announced a World Press Conference as part of activities marking the 57th edition of the annual cultural festival.

The press conference is to hold on Saturday 13th lf June, 2026 and it is billed to provide details of programmes lined up for the celebration and highlight the significance of the festival to the cultural heritage and socio-economic development of Isara-Remo and Ogun State at large.

The 57th Afotamodi Day Festival is being held under the royal leadership of His Royal Highness, Alaiyeluwa Oba Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo, (Otete III), Odemo of Isara-Remo.

According to the organisers, the grand finale of the festival will hold on Saturday, November 14, 2026, and is expected to attract sons and daughters of Isara-Remo, traditional rulers, government officials, business leaders, cultural enthusiasts and visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.

Adding glamour to the celebration, renowned Fuji maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate), veteran musician Alhaji Musiliu Haruna Ishola, and celebrated gospel artiste, Evangelist (Dr.) Lanre Teriba Atorise, will provide musical entertainment at the grand finale.

The organisers noted that the festival remains one of the most enduring cultural events in Remoland, serving as a platform for promoting unity, cultural preservation and community development.

The Afotamodi Day Festival Planning Committee expressed appreciation to corporate organisations supporting the event, including Sonia Foods Industries Limited, International Breweries Plc, Apple & Pears Limited and Seaman’s Schnapps.

Members of the media, stakeholders and the general public are expected to attend the World Press Conference, where further details of the festival activities will be unveiled.

Ogun NUJ Secretary Bunmi Adigun has thrown his weight behind the upcoming “Big Rave” concert, a landmark event led by Amufua Osaume Osas, popularly known as MC OSSY.

The event set to redefine the entertainment landscape will hold in Abeokuta on June 7, 2026, at the Marque, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, Abeokuta.

This significant endorsement followed a strategic courtesy visit by the Big Rave Entertainment team to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat at Iwe-Iroyin, Abeokuta, where the organizers presented official invitations and VIP access to the Union leadership to solidify the media’s role as a primary stakeholder in the project.

During the presentation, Secretary of the Union, Bunmi Adigun lauded MC OSSY’s professional evolution from a local hypeman to a formidable event curator, pledging his full personal and professional support for the showcase at the Marque, OOPL.

Reflecting on the entertainer’s journey, Adigun remarked, “ I have been part of his story from the beginning, witnessing his days as a stage MC and hypeman. What we are seeing today is the growth of something we nurtured from childhood into a formidable adult brand. I will not only attend but will also mobilize others to witness this milestone.”

In response, MC OSSY described the Secretary as a pivotal mentor, stating, “The Secretary has been part of my success story. It was imperative to personally invite him to what we are building to be the biggest entertainment show ever held in Ogun State.”

The synergy between the NUJ and Big Rave Entertainment signals a new era of professionalization for the local creative economy, positioning the concert as a definitive statement on the commercial growth of youth culture in the state.

As preparations intensify for the June 7 date, the event is increasingly viewed by industry analysts as a catalyst for the future of high-level entertainment production in Abeokuta.