Improved education, better healthcare delivery critical to address nation’s challenges — Olowu

The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, has identified improved education, better healthcare delivery, and job creation as critical measures to address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, urging Nigerians to work collectively towards building a better future.

Matemilola made the call on Monday while addressing journalists at his palace in Abeokuta, Ogun State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Odun Olowu festival.

He argued that expanding access to education, strengthening healthcare services, supporting enterprise growth, and creating opportunities for young people are essential to national development.

He disclosed that the Owu Heritage Initiative (OHI), through collaborations with more than 10 strategic partners, had impacted over 200,000 people across its four pillars of intervention.

According to him, the initiative has provided educational support to more than 800 senior secondary school students, distributed over 13,000 school meals, and conducted more than 2,000 medical outreaches.

He added that 135 youths had participated in vocational training, while more than 250 women empowerment projects had been undertaken. The initiative’s clean-water projects, he said, had reached over 80,000 people across 50 communities.

Matemilola also cited the renovation and inauguration of the Owu Igosun Primary Health Centre and ongoing work on the Olomore Hospital project as part of efforts to improve community healthcare.

“Let us continue to promote education, improve our healthcare, support enterprise growth, protect our environment and create opportunities for the next generation,” he said.

Matemilola urged members of the kingdom to preserve their cultural heritage and uphold the values of unity, good character, and community development.

“Our heritage is both a gift and a responsibility. We honour our forebears not only by remembering their achievements but also by building upon them,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the Towulade of Owu Akinale, Oba Adediran Oluseyi, warned youths against allowing politicians to use them for campaigns or induce them with money ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The traditional ruler urged young Nigerians to scrutinise the backgrounds, records, and credentials of political candidates before deciding whom to support, saying electoral choices should be based on merit rather than temporary financial gain.

He advised youths to investigate candidates’ antecedents, family backgrounds, and achievements, stressing that voters need to understand the character and capacity of those seeking public office.

“Our youths should not be used in any form for political campaigns. They should sit down and go through the profiles of the people they are voting for. Who are they? Where are they coming from? What have they done that you have to vote for them?” he said.

Oluseyi expressed concern that financial inducements could distract young people from their responsibility to elect credible leaders, warning that accepting money in exchange for political support could undermine the country’s future.

He urged parents, schools, and community leaders to pay greater attention to the upbringing and education of young people, noting that the values instilled in them would determine the kind of society they build.

He pointed out that youths must take their future seriously and resist pressure to exchange their votes for short-term benefits.

“Temporary money is nothing. They should not allow themselves to be used for temporary money,” he said.

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Oluseyi likened responsible voting to laying a solid foundation, arguing that sustainable national development would remain difficult without sound political choices.

He therefore urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate in the 2027 elections, and encourage others to do the same.

“Get your PVC. On election day, go there and do your bidding. Encourage others to vote. That should be your assignment,” he said.

Meanwhile, other activities scheduled for the event include interfaith prayers, youth sports, a symposium, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Owu Muslim Hospital, visits to Apomu, Erunmu, Orile Ifo, and Abule Owu, the Ogbe Festival and project inauguration, chieftaincy installations, the Oritafisewe and Awards event, and the Ajibosin Colloquium.