By Opeyemi Otitoju,Taiwo Davies& Emmanuel Abolarinwa
The Oba-Akoko National Association, Akure Branch, has sought the partnership of the Ondo State Printing and Publishing Corporation (OSPPC), publishers of THE HOPE, for publicity ahead of its Golden Jubilee celebration scheduled for December 5, 2026.
The association made the request during a courtesy visit to the management of OSPPC in Akure, where it formally informed the corporation of its 50th anniversary and invited the Chairman of OSPPC, Mr. Kayode Fasua to the celebration.
Speaking during the visit, a member of the delegation, Mr. Olajide Olomojolomo, said the team was at the corporation as kinsmen of the OSPPC Chairman, whom they identified as a son of Oba-Akoko.
He appreciated the management and staff of OSPPC for their support for the chairman since he assumed leadership of the corporation, urging them to sustain the cooperation to enable the organisation achieve greater success.
Also speaking, Mr. Ogunleye Babajide said the association was particularly interested in collaborating with THE HOPE to give adequate publicity to the Golden Jubilee celebration.
He said the anniversary would be bigger than the previous year’s programme, adding that the OSPPC Chairman had participated in the association’s anniversary in the past.
Babajide disclosed that the association would formally forward an invitation to the chairman, who would be expected to attend the December event as a guest of honour.
He introduced members of the delegation, including the Vice Chairman, Mr Dapo Olufemi, Secretary, Mr Tunde Ajetumobi, while explaining that the Chairman, Hon. Victor Oguntoyinbo was unavoidably absent.
Responding, the Chairman of OSPPC, Mr. Kayode Fasua expressed delight at the visit and welcomed members of the association, describing Oba-Akoko as his maternal and ancestral home.
He commended the association for its activities and expressed pride in the community, which he described as an important area with considerable potential for industrial and agricultural development.
According to him, Oba-Akoko has a rich history and cultural heritage, while its people are strategically positioned in different parts of the country and beyond.
The OSPPC Chairman assured the association of adequate publicity for its programmes, particularly the Golden Jubilee celebration, and urged it to strengthen its partnership with THE HOPE Newspaper.
He said the corporation was committed to expanding the reach of THE HOPE and had plans to transform the newspaper into a daily publication, while also strengthening its online presence.
He explained that the newspaper already publishes its front page online and reaches readers beyond Nigeria, noting that the corporation was working towards expanding its coverage and readership.
The Chairman also used the occasion to highlight the importance of cultural values and proper upbringing of children, urging parents to provide adequate home training and monitor the activities of young people.
He stressed that cultural values, respect for elders and responsible parenting remained important foundations for building a productive society.
Earlier, the association’s Secretary, Tunde Ajetumobi, disclosed that the theme of the Golden Jubilee celebration is “ESO Oba – Showcasing Our Cultural Value and Heritage.”
The theme, he said, would provide an opportunity for members of the association and the wider community to celebrate and promote the cultural identity and heritage of Oba-Akoko.
The courtesy visit ended with the OSPPC Chairman thanking the delegation for visiting the corporation and expressing optimism that the relationship between the association and THE HOPE Newspaper would be strengthened.
The visit brought together members of the management team of the Ondo State Printing and Publishing Corporation, including the Editor, Pastor Mrs Abimbola Akindunbi, Chief Accountant, Mrs Folashade Omoleye, Senior Manager, Commercial Services, Mr Olawale Olakunle, Internal Auditor, Mr Charles Fakehin, Operations Manager, Mrs Abosede Owoyemi, and other members of staff.