2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council: Zack Orji, Ademola Adeleke, Soji Akanbi, Ade Omole make revised list!

List of Presidential Campaign Council for 2027 Election

MEMBERSHIP LIST OF THE
2027 APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
S/N POSITION / ROLE NOMINEE / MEMBER
1 CHAIRMAN President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
2 VICE CHAIRMAN I Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON
3 VICE CHAIRMAN II APC National Party Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda
4 DIRECTOR GENERAL Sen. Abdulaziz Yari
5 DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL SOUTH I Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio
6 DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL SOUTH II Sen. Bamidele Opeyemi
7 DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL NORTH I H.E. Mai Mala Buni
8 DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL NORTH II Hon. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas
9 DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL NORTH III Sen. Barau Jibril Barau
10 DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL MOBILISATION Sen. Adams Oshiomole
11 DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL ADMIN Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila,
12 DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL ELECTION PLANNING,
COORDINATION AND MONITORING
Hon. James Abiodun Faleke,
13 DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL LOGISTICS AND OPERATIONS Hon. Ibrahim Kabir Masari
14 DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL PARLIAMENTARIAN
MOBILISATION
Hon. Aminu Bello Masari
15 DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL INFRASTRUCTURE,
MOBILISATION AND SENSITIZATION
Engr. Nweze David Umahi
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16 SECRETARY H.E Hope Uzodimma
17 DEPUTY SECRETARY Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru
18 ASSISTANT SECRETARY Hadiza Bala Usman
19 ZONAL CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR-SOUTH-SOUTH Sen. Bassey Otu
20 ZONAL CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR-SOUTH-EAST H.E Ndubuisi Mbah
21 ZONAL CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR-SOUTH-WEST H.E Babajide Sanwo-olu
22 ZONAL CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR- NORTH-CENTRAL H.E Umar Bago
23 ZONAL CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR-NORTH-EAST Sen Modu Sheriff
24 ZONAL CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR-NORTH-WEST H.E Uba Sani
25 DEPUTY DIRECTOR LOGISTICS AND OPERATIONS Adeniyi Tinubu 

S/N POSITION / ROLE NOMINEE / MEMBER
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26 SECRETARY LOGISTIC AND OPERATION Prof Muhammad Kabir Isa
27 DIRECTOR FINANCE/TREASURER Gov Sheriff Oborevwori
28 DEPUTY DIRECTOR FINANCE/TREASURER I H.E Ahmed Usman Ododo
29 DEPUTY DIRECTOR FINANCE/TREASURER II Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi
30 SECRETARY FINANCE/TREASURER Tanimu Yakubu
31 DIRECTOR FUNDRAISING Gov. Dapo Abiodun
32 DEPUTY DIRECTOR FUNDRAISING Zacch Adedeji 

MEMBERSHIP LIST OF THE 2027 APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL

33 DEPUTY DIRECTOR FUNDRAISING II Farouk Gumel
34 SECRETARY FUNDRAISING I Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim
35 SECRETARY FUNDRAISING II APC National Treasurer
36 ZONAL DIRECTOR ELECTION PLANNING COORDINATION AND
MOBILISATION-SW
Sen. Olushola Adeyeye
37 ZONAL DIRECTOR ELECTION PLANNING COORDINATION AND
MOBILISATION-SS
Dr. Ngozi Olejeme
38 ZONAL DIRECTOR ELECTION PLANNING COORDINATION AND
MOBILISATION-SE
Sen. Uche Ekunife
39 ZONAL DIRECTOR ELECTION PLANNING COORDINATION AND
MOBILISATION-NW
Muntaqha Rabe
40 ZONAL DIRECTOR ELECTION PLANNING COORDINATION AND
MOBILISATION-NC
Ahmed Muhammed Ketso
41 ZONAL DIRECTOR ELECTION PLANNING COORDINATION AND
MOBILISATION-NE
Sen. Sani Danladi
42 SECRETARY, ELECTION PLANNING COORDINATION AND
MOBILISATION I
Stella Okotete

MEMBERSHIP LIST OF THE 2027 APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
43 SECRETARY, ELECTION PLANNING COORDINATION AND
MOBILISATION II
Engr Abdullahi Garba Ramat
44 SECRETARY, ELECTION PLANNING COORDINATION AND
MOBILISATION III
Audu Maikori
45 DIRECTOR POLICY AND MANIFESTO DEVELOPMENT Dele Alake
46 DEPUTY DIRECTOR POLICY AND MANIFESTO DEVELOPMENT Dr Jumoke Oduwole
47 SECRETARY POLICY AND MANIFESTO DEVELOPMENT Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu
48 DIRECTOR LEGAL Muiz Adeyemi Banire, SAN
49 DEPUTY DIRECTOR LEGAL I Dr. Liman Hassan SAN
50 DEPUTY DIRECTOR LEGAL II B.A Ogala, SAN
51 SECRETARY LEGAL APC National Legal Adviser
52 COORDINATING DIRECTOR MEDIA /STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATION, I
Mohammed Idris Malagi
53 COORDINATING DIRECTOR MEDIA/ STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATION, II
Dele Alake
54 COORDINATING DIRECTOR MEDIA/ STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATION, III
Bayo Onanuga
55 COORDINATING DIRECTOR MEDIA/ STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATION, IV
Lanre Isa Onilu
56 COORDINATING DEPUTY DIRECTOR MEDIA STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATION, I
Tunde Rahman
57 COORDINATING DEPUTY DIRECTOR MEDIA/ STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATION, II
Sunday Dare
58 COORDINATING DEPUTY DIRECTOR MEDIA/ STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATION, III
Daniel Bwala
59 COORDINATING DEPUTY DIRECTOR MEDIA/ STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATION, IV
Felix Morka
S/N POSITION / ROLE NOMINEE / MEMBER
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2027 APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
60 COORDINATING SECRETARY MEDIA/ STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATION I
Abdulaziz Abdulaziz
61 COORDINATING SECRETARY MEDIA/ STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATION II
Temitope Ajayi
62 COORDINATING SECRETARY MEDIA/ STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATION III
Arabirin Aderonke
63 COORDINATING SECRETARY MEDIA/ STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATION IV
Fredrick Nwabufo
64 DIRECTOR NEW MEDIA Segun Dada
65 SECRETARY NEW MEDIA Solomon Arowolo
66 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN SPOKESPERSON I Dele Alake
67 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN SPOKESPERSON II Alwan Hassan
68 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN SPOKESPERSON III Ayobami Feyisetan Oyalowo
69 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN SPOKESPERSON IV Kemi Asekun-Shittu
70 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN SPOKESPERSON VI Hon. Adamu Fanda
71 DIRECTOR SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE Gen. Sarki Yaki
72 DEPUTY DIRECTOR SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE I H.E Bello Matawalle
73 DEPUTY DIRECTOR SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE II Dr. Yusuf Gagdi
74 DEPUTY DIRECTOR SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE III Gen. A.T Ibrahim
75 DEPUTY DIRECTOR SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE IV Gen. Junaidu Sani Bindawa
76 DEPUTY DIRECTOR SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE V Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo
77 SECRETARY SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE I Gen. Christopher Musa
78 SECRETARY SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE II Gen. Jibril Abdulmalik
79 DIRECTOR DATA MANAGEMENT Dr. Bisoye Coker
80 DEPUTY DIRECTOR DATA MANAGEMENT I Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi
81 DEPUTY DIRECTOR DATA MANAGEMENT II H.E Muhammad Badaru
82 SECRETARY DATA MANAGEMENT Dr Bashir Garba
83 COORDINATING DIRECTOR CONTACT & MOBILISATION I HE Babagana Zulum
84 COORDINATING DIRECTOR CONTACT & MOBILISATION II Aisha Garba

S/N POSITION / ROLE NOMINEE / MEMBER
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85 COORDINATING DIRECTOR CONTACT & MOBILISATION III Sen Sulaiman Hunkuyi
86 COORDINATING SECRETARY CONTACT & MOBILISATION I Yusuf Hamisu
87 COORDINATING SECRETARY CONTACT & MOBILISATION II Dr Sanusi Ohiare
88 DIRECTOR YOUTH MOBILISATION Hon. Ayodele Olawande
89 DEPUTY DIRECTOR YOUTH MOBILISATION Hon. Dr. Dayo A. Israel
90 ZONAL DIRECTOR YOUTH MOBILISATION SS Barr. Donghan Barbara Omusuku
91 ZONAL DIRECTOR YOUTH MOBILISATION SE Obinna Iyiegbu
92 ZONAL DIRECTOR YOUTH MOBILISATION SW Moyosore Ogunlewe
93 ZONAL DIRECTOR YOUTH MOBILISATION NW Abdulazeez Abubakar Kaka
94 ZONAL DIRECTOR YOUTH MOBILISATION NE Ibrahim Abba Umar
95 ZONAL DIRECTOR YOUTH MOBILISATION NC Abdulfatai Yaya Seriki
96 SECRETARY YOUTH MOBILISATION Rinsola Abiola
97 DIRECTOR WOMEN MOBILISATION Betta Chimaobim Edu
98 DEPUTY DIRECTOR WOMEN MOBILISATION I Iman Suleiman
99 DEPUTY DIRECTOR WOMEN MOBILISATION II Sen. Abiodun Olujimi
100 DEPUTY DIRECTOR WOMEN MOBILISATION III Sen. Binta Masi Garba
101 SECRETARY WOMEN MOBILISATION APC National Women Leader
102 DIRECTOR PWD MOBILISATION Mohammed Abba Isa
103 DEPUTY DIRECTOR PWD MOBILISATION Bar Ayuba Gufwan
104 SECREATRY PWD MOBILISATION I Tolu Bankole
105 SECREATRY PWD MOBILISATION II Misbahu Lawan Didi
106 DIRECTOR SPORT SECTOR MOBILISATION Shehu Dikko
107 DEPUTY DIRECTOR SPORT SECTOR MOBILISATION I HE Philip Shaibu
108 DEPUTY DIRECTOR SPORT SECTOR MOBILISATION II Joseph Yobo
109 SECRETARY SPORT SECTOR MOBILISATION Dr Mustapha Abdullahi
110 DIRECTOR CREATIVE SECTOR MOBILISATION Ahmed Bala
111 DEPUTY DIRECTOR CREATIVE SECTOR MOBILISATION I Ali Nuhu
112 DEPUTY DIRECTOR CREATIVE SECTOR MOBILISATION II Mansura Isa
S/N POSITION / ROLE NOMINEE / MEMBER
5 | Page MEMBERSHIP LIST OF THE 2027 APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
113 DEPUTY DIRECTOR CREATIVE SECTOR MOBILISATION III Alh. Adebayo Salami
114 SECRETARY CREATIVE SECTOR MOBILISATION I Zack Orji
115 SECRETARY CREATIVE SECTOR MOBILISATION II Ayeni Timilehin Franklin
116 DIRECTOR CIVIL SOCIETY MOBILISATION Fabian Okoye
117 DEPUTY DIRECTOR CIVIL SOCIETY MOBILISATION Jerry Adams
118 SECRETARY CIVIL SOCIETY MOBILISATION I Sen. Soji Akanbi
119 SECRETARY CIVIL SOCIETY MOBILISATION II Bridget Suleiman
120 DIRECTOR PARLIAMENTARY MOBILISATION Rt Hon Dimeji Bankole
121 DEPUTY DIRECTOR PARLIAMENTARY MOBILISATION Rt. Hon. Babangida Nguroji
122 SECRETARY PARLIAMENTARY MOBILISATION RT. Hon Yakubu Dogara
123 DIRECTOR DIASPORA MOBILISATION Abike Dabiri
124 DEPUTY DIRECTOR DIASPORA MOBILISATION I Ade Omole
125 DEPUTY DIRECTOR DIASPORA MOBILISATION II Lady Kasham Musa Iliya
126 SECRETARY DIASPORA MOBILISATION I Udeme Ukpe
127 SECRETARY DIASPORA MOBILISATION II Dr Ruqayya Ahmed
128 DIRECTOR HEALTH SECTOR MOBILISATION Hon. Ali Pate
129 DEPUTY DIRECTOR HEALTH SECTOR MOBILISATION Dr Mariya Mahmoud
130 DEPUTY DIRECTOR HEALTH SECTOR MOBILISATION II Fatima Zahra Yola
131 SECRETARY HEALTH SECTOR MOBILISATION I Dr Kemi Ogunyemi
132 SECRETARY HEALTH SECTOR MOBILISATION II Hajiya Laila Buhari
133 DIRECTOR AGRO-ALLIED SECTOR MOBILISATION Sen. Abu Kyari
134 DEPUTY DIRECTOR AGRO-ALLIED SECTOR MOBILISATION Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi
135 SECRETARY DIRECTOR AGRO-ALLIED SECTOR MOBILISATION I Arc. Kabir Faskari
136 SECRETARY DIRECTOR AGRO-ALLIED SECTOR MOBILISATION
II
Zubaida Umar
137 DIRECTOR FINANCIAL AND TECH SERVICES SECTOR
MOBILISATION
Haruna Jalo-Waziri
S/N POSITION / ROLE NOMINEE / MEMBER
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2027 APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
138 DEPUTY DIRECTOR FINANCIAL AND TECH SERVICES SECTOR
MOBILISATION I
Folake Ani-Mumuni
139 DEPUTY DIRECTOR FINANCIAL AND TECH SERVICES SECTOR
MOBILISATION II
Adeyemi Daniel Adeboyejo
140 SECRETARY FINANCIAL AND TECH SERVICES SECTOR
MOBILISATION
Paul Tsado Tswanya
141 DIRECTOR EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY SECTOR MOBILISATION Dele Alake
142 DEPUTY DIRECTOR EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY SECTOR
MOBILISATION I
Rt. Hon. Obongemen Ekperikpe Ekpo
143 DEPUTY DIRECTOR EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY SECTOR
MOBILISATION II
Heineken Lokpobiri
144 DEPUTY DIRECTOR EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY SECTOR
MOBILISATION III
Dr Garba Shehu Matazu
145 DEPUTY DIRECTOR EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY SECTOR
MOBILISATION IV
Sen Magnus Abe
146 SECRETARY EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY SECTOR MOBILISATION I Hon Sarki Adar
147 SECRETARY EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY SECTOR MOBILISATION II Olu Verheijen
148 SECRETARY EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY SECTOR MOBILISATION III Aisha Rimi
149 DIRECTOR EDUCATION SECTOR MOBILISATION Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa
150 DEPUTY DIRECTOR EDUCATION SECTOR MOBILISATION Dr Suwaiba Ahmad
151 SECRETARY EDUCATION SECTOR MOBILISATION Dr Muhammad Sani Idris
152 DIRECTOR MANUFACTURING AND MSME SECTOR
MOBILISATION
Sen. John Owan Enoh
153 DEPUTY DIRECTOR MANUFACTURING AND MSME SECTOR
MOBILISATION
Dr Supo Olusi
S/N POSITION / ROLE NOMINEE / MEMBER

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154 SECRETARY MANUFACTURING AND MSME SECTOR
MOBILISATION
Dr Charlse Odili
155 DIRECTOR SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION HE. Silas Agara
156 DEPUTY DIRECTOR SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION I Sen. Shehu Sani
157 DEPUTY DIRECTOR SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION II Muri Ajaka
158 SECRETARY SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION I Tosin Adeyanju
159 SECRETARY SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION II Tosin Shoga
160 ZONAL COORDINATOR SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION
NW
Baffa Dan Agundi
161 ZONAL SECRETARY SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION NW Bello M. Goronyo ESQ
162 ZONAL COORDINATOR SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION NE ALH. Uba Nana
163 ZONAL SECRETARY SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION NE Hon Abdullahi Little
164 ZONAL COORDINATOR SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION SS Hon Temi Harriman
165 ZONAL SECRETARY SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION SS Rt. Hon. Ochieglegor Idagbo
166 ZONAL COORDINATOR SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION SW Hon. Akinlade Abiodun Isiaq
167 ZONAL SECRETARY SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION SW Sola Olofin
168 ZONAL COORDINATOR SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION NC Hon. Abdulraheem Olawuyi-Ajulo
169 ZONAL SECRETARY SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION NC Comrade Ogenyi Opkokwu
170 ZONAL COORDINATOR SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION SE Sen. Osita Izunaso
171 ZONAL SECRETARY SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION SE Hon. Dr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha
172 DIRECTOR FAITH-BASED MOBILISATION (A CHRISTIAN) Rt Rev. Stephen Tunde Victor Adegbite PhD
173 DEPUTY DIRECTOR FAITH-BASED MOBILISATION (A
CHRISTIAN)
Archbishop John Praise Daniel
174 SECRETARY FAITH-BASED MOBILISATION (A CHRISTIAN) I Gloria Okobundu
175 SECRETARY FAITH-BASED MOBILISATION (A CHRISTIAN) II Ibrahim Bunu
176 DIRECTOR FAITH-BASED MOBILISATION (A MUSLIM) Sheikh Haliru Maraya
S/N POSITION / ROLE NOMINEE / MEMBER
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2027 APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
177 DEPUTY DIRECTOR FAITH-BASED MOBILISATION I (A
MUSLIM)
Sheikh Rilwan Aderemi Zogloo
178 DEPUTY DIRECTOR FAITH-BASED MOBILISATION II (A
MUSLIM)
Sheikh Abu Usman Amar
179 SECRETARY FAITH-BASED MOBILISATION (A MUSLIM) Sheikh Muhammad Salisu Gumel
180 DIRECTOR PROTOCOL Hannatu Musawa
181 DEPUTY DIRECTOR PROTOCOL Rt Hon. Henry Nwawuba
182 SECRETARY PROTOCOL Ronke Bello
183 DIRECTOR LABOUR UNION RELATIONS HE. Nasir Idris
184 DEPUTY DIRECTOR LABOUR UNION RELATIONS I Comrade Issa Aremu
185 DEPUTY DIRECTOR LABOUR UNION RELATIONS II Yerma Shettima
186 SECRETARY LABOUR UNION RELATIONS Chima Amadi
187 DIRECTOR SPECIAL DUTIES Chief Ayiri Emami
188 DEPUTY DIRECTOR SPECIAL DUTIES I Liman Sani Kila
189 DEPUTY DIRECTOR SPECIAL DUTIES II Bibopere Ajube
190 SECRETARY SPECIAL DUTIES Osoro Akpabio
191 STATE CAMPAIGN COORDINATORS APC Governors (APC States) & APC Gubernatorial Aspirants (Non-APC States)
192 DIRECTOR STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION H.E Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
193 DEPUTY DIRECTOR STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION I H.E Douye Diri
194 DEPUTY DIRECTOR STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION II Chief Reuben Clifford Wilson
195 SECRETARY STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION I Chief Mutiu Are
196 SECRETARY STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION II Hon. Sani Ismail Nguru
197 ZONAL COORDINATOR FOR STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION
NW
Sen. Aliyu Wamakko
198 ZONAL SECRETARY FOR STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION NW Abdullahi Mukhtar
199 ZONAL COORDINATOR FOR STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION
NE
H.E Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya
S/N POSITION / ROLE NOMINEE / MEMBER
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2027 APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
200 ZONAL SECRETARY FOR STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION NE Hon. Ali Baba
201 ZONAL COORDINATOR FOR STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION
NC
Sen. Sani Musa
202 ZONAL SECRETARY FOR STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION NC H.E Stepehen Lawani
203 ZONAL COORDINATOR FOR STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION
SS
Dr. Samuel Ogbuke
204 ZONAL SECRETARY FOR STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION SS Ntufam Hilliard Eta
205 ZONAL COORDINATOR FOR STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION
SE
Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim
206 ZONAL SECRETARY FOR STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION SE Prof. Chinedu Ochinawata
207 ZONAL COORDINATOR FOR STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION
SW
H.E Babatunde Fashola
208 ZONAL SECRETARY FOR STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION SW Sen. Teslim Folarin
209 DIRECTOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT MOBILISATION Hon Jabiru Abdullahi Tsauri
210 DEPUTY DIRECTOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT MOBILISATION I Oluwajomiloju Fayose
211 DEPUTY DIRECTOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT MOBILISATION II Engr Chukwuemeka Woke
212 DEPUTY DIRECTOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT MOBILISATION III Prince Ebitimi Amgbare
213 DEPUTY DIRECTOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT MOBILISATION IV John Viko Iyadah
214 SECRETARY COMMUNITY SUPPORT MOBILISATION I Prof. Abdulaziz Ahmed Mashi
215 SECRETARY COMMUNITY SUPPORT MOBILISATION II Chief Mrs. Justina Obadiah
216 SECRETARY COMMUNITY SUPPORT MOBILISATION III Abubakar Abdullahi Maikano
217 DIRECTOR DIGITAL OPERATIONS CENTER (SITUATION ROOM) Khalil Halilu
218 SECRETARY DIGITAL OPERATIONS CENTER (SITUATION
ROOM)
Prof Segun Aina
S/N POSITION / ROLE NOMINEE / MEMBER
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2027 APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
219 DIRECTOR GRASSROOTS ENGAGEMENT & MOBILISATION Hon. Hafiz Ibrahim Kawu
220 DEPUTY DIRECTOR GRASSROOTS ENGAGEMENT &
MOBILISATION
Hon. Akinjide Kazeem Akinola
221 DIRECTOR WELFARE, MORALE AND SUPPORT Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite
222 DEPUTY DIRECTOR WELFARE, MORALE AND SUPPORT Umaru Tanko Yakasai
223 SECRETARY WELFARE, MORALE AND SUPPORT Princess Atika Ajana
S/N POSITION / ROLE NOMINEE / MEMBER
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ADVISERS TO THE CHAIRMAN
S/N NAME
1 H.E Adebisi Akande, CFR (SW)
2 Sen. Rochas Okorocha (SE)
3 H.E Sen. Dr. Abdullahi Adamu, CON (NC)
4 Chief Segun Osoba
5 Sen. Florence Ita Giwa (SS)
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2027 APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
S/N PARLIAMENTARY MOBILISATION
1 Sen. Ameh Ebute, CFR (Fmr. President of the Senate)
2 Sen. Ken Nnamani (Fmr. President of the Senate)
3 Sen. Ayim Pius Ayim, GCON (Fmr. President of the Senate)
4 H.E Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, CFR (Fmr Speaker House of Representative)
5 Rt. Hon. Patricia Etteh CFR (Fmr Speaker House of Representative)
6 Rt. Hon Dimeji Bankole CFR (Fmr Speaker House of Representative)
7 Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara CFR (Fmr Speaker House of Representative)
8 Rt Hon. Idris Wase (Fmr Deputy Speaker House of Representative)
9 Rt. Hon. Babangida Nguroje (Fmr Speaker House of Representative)
10 Hon. Mohammed Wakil, CON
11 Sen. Smart Adeyemi
12 Sen. Atai Idoko
13 Sen Jibril Echocho
S/N LEGAL
1 Muhammad Abubakar
2 H.E Ibrahim Shema
3 Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN
4 Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN
5 Worgu Boms
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S/N SECURITY
1 Femi Adekanbi (SW)
2 Gen. Leo Irabor (Rtd), CFR
3 Major Gen Solomon Udounwa
4 DIG AA Mohammed
5 DCG Bashir Abubakar (rtd), MFR
6 High Chief Dennis Otuaro
S/N CONTACT MOBILISATION
1 H.E Akinwumi Ambode
2 Ibrahim Bello
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3 H.E Orji Uzo Kalu
4 Ramalan Yero
5 H.E Rochas Okorocha
6 Hon. Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo, MFR
7 Rt. Hon Yusuf Abdullahi Ata
8 H.E Jolly Nyame
9 H.E Joshua Dariye
10 Sen. Abubakar Kyari, CON
11 H.E Saidu Dakingari
12 Hamza Darma
13 Hon. Nafisa Aminu Nahuche
14 Sen. Tokunbo Afikuyomi
15 Yinka Agboola
16 Hon. Amina Gamawa
17 Hafiz Oladejo
18 Chief Cyril Kuzanuam
19 Hon Abbass Wamba
20 Bayo Ayo.ESQ
21 Idayat Yusuf
22 Bolanle Kaji-Hausa
23 Maryam Gwarzo
S/N CONTACT MOBILISATION
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S/N STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION
1 HE. Yomi Awoniyi
2 Mamoud Abdullahi
3 HE. Niyi Adebayo
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4 Bunmi Onabanjo
5 Muhammed Sheidu
6 Sadiya Lawal
7 Paul Chukwuma
8 Dr Bala Majama Wunt
9 H.E Umo Eno
10 H.E Dauda Lawal
11 Prof Jonathan Ayuba
12 Comrade Mustapha Saliu
13 HE Isiaka Oyetola
14 Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON
15 Sen. Ahmad Yarima
16 Balarabe Abbas Lawal
17 H.E Mahmuda Shinkaf
18 Sen. Gbenga Daniel
19 Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa
20 Chief Reuben Clifford Wilson
21 M.B Shehu
S/N STAKEHOLDER’S MOBILISATION
17 | Page MEMBERSHIP LIST OF THE
2027 APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
S/N STATE CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
1 State Campaign Coordinator
2 State APC Executive Committee
3 All Serving Minister from that State
4 All House of Representative Candidate
5 All State of Assembly Candidate
6 All Elected APC Local Government Chairperson/Chairperson of LGA Campaign Council
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2027 APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
7 State Coordinator of Independent Campaign Council
8 State Coordinator of Independent Campaign Council
9 State Coordinator Support Group Directorate
10 State Coordinator Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation Directorate
11 State Coordinator Agro Commodities Directorate
12 State Coordinator Humanitarian Affairs Directorate
13 State Coordinator Stakeholders Relations Directorate
14 State Coordinator Contact and Mobilisation Directorate
15 State Coordinator Youth Directorate
16 Welfare, Morale and Support Directorate
17 State Coordinator Women Campaign Team
18 State Coordinator PWD Directorate
19 State Coordinator League of Actor and Creative Arts
20 All Members of Presidential campaign Council
21 Any Critical Stakeholder deemed
S/N STATE CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
19 | Page MEMBERSHIP LIST OF THE
2027 APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
S/N LGA CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
1 Elected APC Local Government Chairperson/designated Chairperson of LGA Campaign Council
2 LGA APC Executive Committee
3 State Assembly Candidate
4 LGA Coordinator for House of Representative
5 LGA Coordinator for Senatorial Candidate
6 LGA Coordinator for Gubernatorial Candidate
7 LGA Coordinator for Presidential Candidate

20 | Page MEMBERSHIP LIST OF THE 2027 APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
8 ALL APC elected ward councilors
S/N LGA CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
S/N WARD CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
1 Elected ward councilors
2 Ward APC Executive Committee
3 Ward Coordinator for State Assembly Candidate
4 Ward Coordinator for House of Representative Candidate
5 Ward Coordinator for Senatorial Candidate
6 Ward Coordinator for Gubernatorial Candidate
7 Ward Coordinator for Presidential candidate
21 | Page MEMBERSHIP LIST OF THE
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S/N POLLING UNIT MOBILISATION TEAM
1 Representative of Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidate voting in that polling unit
2 Representative of Gubernatorial candidate voting in that polling unit
3 All Serving Minister from that State
4 All National, State, LGA and Ward Party official voting in that polling unit
5 All Senatorial, House of Representative and State Assembly Candidate voting in that polling unit
6 All PCC members voting in that unit
7 Youth mobilisers-15
8 Women mobilisers-15
9 Community elders-10
10 Community Religious leaders-5

Army takes over Old Oyo Park as training ground after Oriire Abduction

The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen Auwalu Mahmuda, has said the Old Oyo National Park had been taken over by the Army and converted into a training centre following the abduction and subsequent rescue of more than 40 schoolchildren and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Mahmuda disclosed this on Wednesday when he received members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, at the division’s headquarters in Odogbo, Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.

He said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Waidi Shuaibu, had directed the 2 Division to use the park as a training ground, adding that the Army had since taken over the facility.

The GOC said the move was aimed at preventing criminals from using the vast forest area as a hideout.

“The order came after the rescue of the victims of the Oriire kidnap. By taking it over, the park has become a no-go area for kidnappers and other men of the underworld using the large st as a base for their nefarious activities.

“On the order of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Waidi Shuaibu, the 2 Division has taken over the entire stretch of the Old Oyo National Park as a training site in order to prevent a repeat of the Oriire kidnap saga

“With the 2 Division fully utilising the park, it will be a herculean task for men of the underworld to use it as their hideout,” Mahmuda said.

The PUNCH reports that more than 40 pupils and their teachers were abducted during a coordinated attack on three schools at Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle in Oriire Local Government Area on Friday, May 15, 2026.

They were rescued by joint security operatives on Friday, July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.

The GOC also called for stronger collaboration between the military and the media in the fight against misinformation and fake news.

He urged journalists to verify information with the military before publishing or broadcasting it, warning that unverified reports could cause serious damage.

“I will appeal to you to avoid publishing information without first confirming its exact and true nature with the military. Sometimes, when unverified information is released, it can cause more harm than the information it intended to address,” he said.

Mahmuda said some journalists failed to verify information before publishing, noting that misinformation could spread rapidly and cause irreparable damage.

“I want to reassure you that the Nigerian Army sees journalists as partners, but they are also expected to play their part in demonstrating clearly that they are partners of the Nigerian Army,” he said.

The GOC commended members of the Correspondents’ Chapel for highlighting the activities and contributions of the 2 Division to national development.

“We are all Nigerians, irrespective of the fact that some of us wear uniforms. I believe that, whatever we are doing, we are all working towards the success and development of this country,” he said.

Mahmuda also appealed for stronger collaboration with the media to enlighten the public on the efforts of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to tackle insecurity.

“I have seen journalists go to places where other civilians dare to set their foot. They put themselves in difficult and dangerous situations simply to obtain accurate information that can be shared with the public,” he said.

The GOC also promised the Correspondents’ Chapel military support in areas including training and medical outreach, particularly ahead of its forthcoming Press Week.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Yinka Adeniran, commended the 2 Division for its efforts to maintain security in the state, particularly the successful rescue of the Oriire kidnap victims.

Adeniran also appealed for the division’s support for the chapel’s forthcoming Press Week, particularly in the areas of lectures and health outreach for members

OYO EMPIRE DAY 2026 MEDIA INTERACTIVE SESSION: FULL TEXT OF SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL WORKING COMMITTEE, OYO EMPIRE DAY CELEBRATION

OPENING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL WORKING COMMITTEE, OYO EMPIRE DAY CELEBRATION, AT THE MEDIA CHAT WITH MEMBERS OF THE PRESS AT PALACE OF THE ALAAFIN OF OYO ON WEDNESDAY, 7TH OCTOBER 2026. 

Distinguished members of the press, fellow members of the Central Working Committee, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the Central Working Committee, I warmly welcome you to this media interaction. 

 

Let me begin by acknowledging the leadership of His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, Alaafin of Oyo, whose vision gave birth to the Oyo Empire Day Celebration. 

It is important for us to place this on record from the outset: Oyo Empire Day is essentially an initiative of His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo. He conceived the idea of creating an annual platform through which people of Oyo ancestry, wherever they may be, can reconnect with their roots, celebrate our shared heritage, and collectively look towards the future. 

 

We, as members of the Central Working Committee, have been privileged by His Imperial Majesty to translate that vision into a practical programme. We therefore consider our assignment not merely a responsibility, but also an opportunity graciously given to us by the Alaafin to contribute to something that we believe can become a lasting institution for Oyo Empire and its people. 

 

Since the inauguration of the Committee, a great deal of work has gone into translating His Imperial Majesty's vision from an idea into a practical and sustainable annual heritage and ancestral-homecoming programme. 

 

Today's interaction provides an opportunity not only to tell you what we are planning, but also to brief you on how far we have come, what we have achieved so far, what visitors should expect and what we hope this initiative will become in the years ahead. 

 

WHY OYO EMPIRE DAY? 

This is a fundamental question: What exactly is Oyo Empire Day? Oyo Empire Day is conceived as an annual celebration of Oyo's history, heritage, people, and continuing legacy, with a strong emphasis on reconnecting people of Oyo ancestry who are now dispersed across different communities, states, and countries. 

   

 This is the vision His Imperial Majesty has entrusted to us. It is not simply another festival. It is simultaneously a homecoming, a heritage celebration, an educational platform, a cultural showcase, a tourism initiative, and a foundation for future economic and social development. 

 

That explains why we deliberately chose the name Oyo Empire Day rather than simply "Oyo Day." The historical Oyo that we are celebrating was much larger than the geographical boundaries of today's ancient city of Oyo or Oyo State. Its history involved institutions, communities, migrations, settlements, cultural exchanges, and relationships extending far beyond the present boundaries of Oyo. The celebration, therefore, seeks to connect the historical Oyo Empire with contemporary people of Oyo ancestry and with the future. 

 

This is also why we are particularly grateful to His Imperial Majesty for providing royal leadership and the institutional platform for this initiative. The Alaafin's traditional institution provides an important bridge between the historical Oyo Empire and the contemporary generation. 

 

OYO EMPIRE DAY IS NOT AN OYO ATIBA CELEBRATION 

Let me make this clear because it is perhaps the question that has been asked most frequently. Oyo Empire Day is NOT an Oyo Atiba celebration. Oyo Atiba is an important part of contemporary Oyo Empire history, and we acknowledge that history. But His Imperial Majesty's vision for Oyo Empire Day is considerably broader. 

 

We are reaching out to people and communities with Oyo ancestry across Kwara, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Kogi, other parts of Nigeria, Republic of Benin, and, as well as the wider diaspora. We are talking about people whose ancestors moved from the various historical centres of Oyo and established communities elsewhere centuries ago. His Imperial Majesty's vision is to provide a platform where these dispersed people can reconnect with the ancestral homeland. 

 

Our message to them is simple: Wherever your ancestors went, there remains a historical connection worth understanding, preserving, and celebrating. This is why the celebration is an ancestral homecoming, not merely a town festival. 

 

And it is important to stress that this is not about bringing those communities under ancient city of Oyo Atiba or taking away their individual identities. Ilaro remains Ilaro, Arigidi Akoko remains Arigidi Akoko, Akesan (Lagos State) Remains Akesa, Modakeke remains Modakeke, Ede remains Ede, Saki remains Saki, Igboho remains Igboho, Jebba remains Jebba, Ibadan remains Ibadan, Ogbomoso remains Ogbomoso, Porto Novo remains Porto Novo, Oyo-Atiba remains Oyo-Atiba, etc. We are celebrating historical connections, not imposing identities. 

 

WHAT HAVE WE DONE SINCE THE INAUGURATION? 

Since His Imperial Majesty inaugurated and gave us this assignment, the Central Working Committee has embarked on extensive mobilization and coordination. 

 

We have established specialized committees covering media, finance, sponsorship, protocol, heritage, diaspora mobilization, digital communication, and other aspects of the celebration.

 We have engaged traditional institutions, community organizations, cultural groups, family compounds, youth groups, professionals, diaspora networks, corporate interests, security agencies, and other stakeholders. 

 

One of the most important aspects of our mobilization has been the engagement of the Baale, Baale, and ancestral family compounds in the ancient city of Oyo. 

 

More than 100 ancestral family compounds have already been sensitized to the homecoming concept. The expectation is that these compounds will not merely watch visitors arrive; they will receive their kith and kin whose ancestors left Oyo generations ago. 

 

For example, if members of the Osi Efa families from Epe or Akesan Town in Lagos State return to Oyo during the celebration, they should be able to locate their ancestral compound and receive a warm welcome from the family. This is precisely the kind of reconnection His Imperial Majesty envisaged when he conceived the idea of an Oyo ancestral homecoming. 

 

To make this easier, we are planning a large identification map/banner in front of the Palace, showing the names and locations of the ancestral family compounds in the ancient city of Oyo. This will assist returning families and visitors in navigating the town and locating their ancestral homes. We want to turn the word "homecoming" into a practical experience. 

 

THREE DAYS, THREE DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES 

We have deliberately structured the celebration so that participants will not be static in one location throughout the three days. The Committee has designed the programme so that every corner of Oyo should come alive with one activity or another, while the Central Working Committee will have a major flagship activity each day. 

 

This approach is also consistent with the vision of making Oyo itself the stage for the celebration, rather than confining everything to one venue. 

 

DAY ONE – THE GRAND CARNIVAL-LIKE PROCESSION 

The first day will begin with a carnival-like procession from Owode, which will terminate at the Palace of the Alaafin. This procession will bring Oyo's cultural heritage into the streets. 

 

There will be displays of cultural activities associated with Oyo settlements, including Gelede performances, Egungun dances, Ṣẹ̀kẹrẹ, Dùndún, Bàtá, Ìjálá, horse riding, and several other traditional performances and displays. The objective is to create a spectacular but authentic expression of pan-Oyo's cultural heritage. 

 

At the Palace, Iku Baba Yeye will formally declare the celebration open. This moment will be particularly significant because it will be His Imperial Majesty, whose vision gave birth to the celebration, formally opening the maiden edition before the people whose heritage we are celebrating. 

 

Day One will also feature a particularly exciting historical presentation: the appearance of at least the first five Alaafins in their royal forms, represented by top artists dressed and presented as closely as available historical records allow us to reconstruct their appearance.

 This is not intended to substitute entertainment for history. Rather, it is an attempt to use creative presentation to help people see history as a living experience. 

 

Another major attraction will be a replica of Oyo-Ile, the historic capital of the Oyo Empire. The replica will be mounted in the open space within the Palace complex and will remain throughout the three days. Visitors, including tourists, will have an opportunity to "tour" the replica and gain a visual appreciation of the splendour and organization of Oyo-Ile as the capital of the empire. We believe this can become one of the most important educational and tourism features of the celebration. 

 

DAY TWO – HISTORY, SCHOLARSHIP, THEATRE AND YOUTH 

The second day will place greater emphasis on knowledge, history, and intellectual engagement. There will be lectures and colloquia involving scholars and knowledgeable custodians of Oyo history. 

 

His Imperial Majesty has consistently emphasized the importance of reconnecting Oyo with their heritage. We believe that such reconnection must be based not only on celebration but also on knowledge and understanding. 

 

We therefore want the celebration to encourage serious discussion about Oyo history, including the relationship between oral traditions, written records, archaeology, and academic research. We recognize that historical interpretations can differ. We do not intend to impose one narrative. Rather, we want to create a platform where evidence can be examined and discussed. 

 

And this is another reason why His Imperial Majesty's initiative is important: it gives scholars, traditional authorities, artists, and the wider public a common platform on which Oyo history can be examined, discussed, and transmitted to future generations. 

 

Day Two will also see the continuation of the hosting of returning kins by their ancestral family compounds. 

 

One of the major activities for the second day will be Ajagunla, the epic historical theatre work associated with the late Duro-Ladipo, presenting the historical episode in which the Alaafin directed the Olugbon, Onikoyi, Aresa, and Ajagunla to confront the Ibarubas who were causing distress to Ekiti communities. The presentation will give audiences an opportunity to encounter history through theatre. 

 

We are particularly interested in the role of young people. There will be a range of youth-oriented programmes during the second day, culminating in a performance by a well-known international musician of Oyo ancestry. 

 

We want young Oyo people to see their heritage not as something confined to old books, palaces, or traditional ceremonies, but as something that can inspire creativity, entertainment, enterprise, and innovation. 

 

DAY THREE – THE GRAND FINALE 

The third day will be the grand finale at the Durbar Stadium. It will feature a major royal, cultural, social, family, and community parade, bringing together the different dimensions of the celebration. The objective

 is to provide a fitting conclusion to three days of history, culture, family reconnection, scholarship, entertainment, and tourism. 

 

THE AMALA, AṢỌ ÒFÌ AND OTHER OYO CIVILIZATION EXPERIENCES 

Throughout the three days, there will also be important side attractions. We want visitors to experience Oyo beyond the Palace. 

 

One is the Amala Oyo Pavilion, where visitors will have the opportunity to experience what we regard as the authentic Oyo taste of Amala and its traditional accompaniments. 

 

Participants will also have opportunities to visit local Aṣọ Òfì production sites, meet the people involved in the craft, and see how this important aspect of our cultural heritage is produced. In other words, we want people to eat Oyo, wear Oyo, see Oyo, hear Oyo, learn Oyo, and experience Oyo. This holistic approach reflects the broader vision His Imperial Majesty has given us. 

 

WHY HISTORY AND SCHOLARSHIP ARE IMPORTANT 

One of the misconceptions we want to correct is that Oyo Empire Day is simply about entertainment. It is not. We want our children and grandchildren to know where we came from, what we inherited and what we should preserve. 

 

The historical Oyo Empire eventually declined as a political structure, but Oyo itself did not disappear. Political structures can disappear while people, language, institutions, traditions, artistic expressions, memories and cultural practices continue. That continuity is part of what we are celebrating. 

 

We will therefore distinguish between historical evidence and oral tradition, while respecting both. And where scholars disagree, disagreement should not frighten us. It should encourage further research. 

 

WHAT OYO EMPIRE DAY IS NOT 

Let me also address some misconceptions. Oyo Empire Day is not a political rally. It is non-partisan. It is not an attempt to recreate the Oyo Empire as a political entity. It is not about claiming that Oyo people are superior to other Yoruba groups. It is not a competition with other Yoruba festivals. It is not about claiming ownership of every Yoruba cultural tradition. And it is certainly not about suggesting that one version of history must be accepted without examination. It is about heritage, identity, scholarship, reconnection, and development. We believe every Yoruba community has a history worthy of respect, just as we believe Oyo has a legitimate right to celebrate its own historical contribution. 

 

RECONNECTING WITH THE CAPITALS AND HISTORIC LANDSCAPES OF THE OYO EMPIRE 

Let me also emphasis that, in furtherance of His Imperial Majesty, Alaafin Owoade’s vision of making our history and cultural heritage a living resource for education, tourism, and economic development, the community is developing a structured heritage-tourism programme as part of the Oyo Empire Day Celebration. 

 

The initial programme will feature guided excursions for interested participants to the two historic capitals of the Empire—Oyo-Igboho and Oyo-Ile. At Oyo-Igboho, participants will visit the remnants of the ancient defensive walls and the burial grounds associated with four Alaafins who ruled from that capital, while at

 Oyo-Ile, they will be taken to locations where remnants and artefacts of the old imperial city can still be found. The tours will be properly organized around historical interpretation and cultural education, so that participants do not merely visit these places but understand their significance to the history of the Oyo Empire. 

 

As the celebration grows in the years ahead, this heritage-tourism component will be expanded systematically to incorporate other Oyo-related towns, settlements, and historic sites, creating a wider network of destinations connected to the history of the Empire. In this way, Alaafin Owoade’s initiative will help transform the annual celebration into an enduring platform for heritage preservation, historical education, cultural reconnection, and tourism development. 

 

INCLUSIVITY 

The celebration is deliberately inclusive. Oyo Empire history has accommodated different religious and cultural traditions over time. Therefore, Christians, Muslims and practitioners of traditional African religions are all part of the broader Oyo Empire story. Women, young people, professionals, traditional institutions, diaspora communities and cultural organizations are not spectators. They are stakeholders. One of the focusses of the CWC is to ensure that culture does not become mere entertainment. That is why performances are combined with lectures, colloquia, exhibitions, historical presentations, documentation and heritage initiatives. 

 

THE LONG-TERM VISION 

We are not planning these three days simply to have a successful event and then pack everything away. The real test of success will be what remains after December.  

Can we build a network of Oyo-related communities? Can we strengthen historical research? Can we preserve family history? Can we improve tourism? Can we create opportunities for local businesses? Can we attract young people to heritage? Can we develop museums and permanent heritage attractions? Can we establish a platform that the diaspora will return to every year? These are the bigger questions. 

The proposed Museum of Yoruba Culture and Civilization and Oyo Empire Day Hall of Fame, for example, are part of the broader vision of creating permanent institutions through which heritage can be preserved and future generations educated. 

 

Our ambition is that in ten or twenty years, Oyo Empire Day will have developed into a major annual homecoming with national and international participation, supported by strong heritage institutions, scholarship, tourism infrastructure and tangible benefits for local communities. 

 

INSTITUTIONALIZING OYO EMPIRE DAY AS AN ANNUAL CELEBRATION 

Let me also formally inform you that, in furtherance of the vision of His Imperial Majesty, the Central Working Committee (CWC) is implementing a clear annual scheduling policy to ensure the sustainability, continuity, and proper institutionalization of the Oyo Empire Day Celebration. 

 

Accordingly, the Oyo Empire Day Celebration shall be held annually on the third Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of December. This fixed scheduling arrangement is intended to provide certainty and consistency, allowing the people of Oyo, visitors, partners, stakeholders, and members of the public to plan and participate in the celebration each year. 

 

 While the dates are fixed as part of the annual calendar, the programme of activities may be reviewed and improved from year to year to reflect emerging needs, lessons learnt, and new opportunities. This approach will enable the celebration to evolve progressively while maintaining the continuity and core vision established by His Imperial Majesty. 

 

Our objective is therefore not only to organize a successful celebration each year, but to establish the Oyo Empire Day Celebration as a sustainable, enduring, and internationally recognized annual cultural event. 

 

THE ECONOMIC DIMENSION 

Heritage can also be an economic asset. If properly developed, increased visitation can create opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, artisans, farmers, performers, tour operators, photographers, fashion designers and other local businesses.  

That is why we are inviting corporate organizations and businesses to come on board. This is not merely a request for sponsorship. It is an invitation to participate in a pan-Oyo heritage initiative with long-term cultural and economic potential. 

We are mobilizing stakeholders across the board, including the security agencies and the media, because an event of this scale requires collective responsibility. 

 

 

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE WE EXPECTING? 

As a maiden edition, we are currently envisaging an average attendance of approximately 20,000 people per day. But we recognize that many people of Oyo ancestry who would love to participate may not have been reached in time for this first edition.  

 

That is understandable. Oyo Empire Day is an annual celebration. Therefore, we expect participation to grow progressively as more people and communities discover their ancestral connections, organize themselves and make plans to return in subsequent years. Our ambition is not to gather everyone once. It is to build a sustainable annual homecoming. 

 

OUR MESSAGE TO THE MEDIA 

And this brings me to why we have invited you today. The media has a critical role to play in helping the public understand what Oyo Empire Day is and what it is not. We need your professionalism to communicate that this is not simply another three-day entertainment event. 

 

It is an initiative born from His Imperial Majesty's vision to reconnect people with their ancestry, stimulate scholarship, preserve heritage, promote tourism, and create a platform through which Oyo's past can contribute to its future. We also ask the media to help us reach people we may not yet have reached. 

 

There are families in Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Republic of Benin, Togo, and other places who may have heard family stories about Oyo ancestry without ever having had an opportunity to investigate or reconnect with those roots. We want them to know that Oyo is opening its doors. Come home, find your family, meet your kin, learn your history, share your story, and help us build something that will outlive this year's celebration. 

 

A WORD OF APPRECIATION TO HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY

 Before I conclude, let me once again place on record our profound appreciation to His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, for giving us this opportunity to serve. For many of us on the Central Working Committee, this assignment has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. 

 

His Imperial Majesty has provided vision and royal authority; the Committee's responsibility is to mobilize the necessary human and institutional resources to give that vision practical expression. We are conscious that we are not merely organizing an event but helping to lay the foundation for what His Imperial Majesty intends to become an annual institution of ancestral reconnection, heritage preservation, scholarship, tourism, and development. That is a responsibility we do not take lightly. 

 

CONCLUSION 

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the essence of Oyo Empire Day can perhaps be captured in one simple message: We are celebrating where we came from, preserving what we inherited, and using that inheritance to build the future. We want to celebrate Oyo without claiming superiority over anyone. We want to remember our history without romanticizing it. We want to respect tradition while encouraging scholarship. We want to welcome our dispersed kin without taking away the identity of the communities where they have lived for generations. 

 

And above all, we want to ensure that the vision entrusted to us by His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, grows beyond a three-day celebration into a lasting network of people and communities connected by Oyo heritage and committed to cultural preservation, research, tourism, youth development, enterprise and mutual development. 

 

That is the vision. That is the work the Central Working Committee has been undertaking since its inauguration. And that is why we are asking the media, corporate Nigeria, traditional institutions, communities, young people, the diaspora and all people of Oyo ancestry to join us in making the Maiden Oyo Empire Day Celebration the beginning of something enduring. 

 

Thank you, and I look forward to your questions and your constructive engagement. 

 

Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola 

Chairman, Oyo Empire Day Celebration Central Working Committee 7th October 2026

Source: www.oyoempireday.org

Alaafin to unite Yoruba communities in Benin ahead of Oyo Empire Day

Alaafin to unite Yoruba communities in Benin ahead of Oyo Empire Day

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has moved to strengthen unity among Yoruba communities in the Republic of Benin ahead of the proposed Oyo Empire Day celebration.

The monarch sent his representative, Prince Sheriff Adebayo-Onisile, a renowned Yoruba historian, on a three-day mission to the country for consultations, cultural diplomacy, reconciliation and mobilisation ahead of the celebration.

The mission focused on strengthening the historical and cultural ties between the old Oyo Empire and Yoruba communities in the Republic of Benin, while encouraging greater participation in the proposed Oyo Empire Day

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has moved to strengthen unity among Yoruba communities in the Republic of Benin ahead of the proposed Oyo Empire Day celebration.

The monarch sent his representative, Prince Sheriff Adebayo-Onisile, a renowned Yoruba historian, on a three-day mission to the country for consultations, cultural diplomacy, reconciliation and mobilisation ahead of the celebration.

The mission focused on strengthening the historical and cultural ties between the old Oyo Empire and Yoruba communities in the Republic of Benin, while encouraging greater participation in the proposed Oyo Empire Day.

According to a statement by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Onisile met with traditional rulers, Yoruba elders, politicians, sociocultural leaders, traders and other prominent members of the Yoruba community during the visit.

In Porto-Novo, Onisile was received by Oba Dr. Rafiu Atanda Adesakin, the Aladjache of Adjache-Ile, where discussions centred on Yoruba unity, cultural preservation, the historical relationship between Dahomey and the old Oyo Empire, and the planned visit of the Alaafin to the Republic of Benin.

He also met Chief Clement Kouchade, the minister for Secondary Education and Bashorun of Pobeland in Plateau Province, at the Federal Secretariat in Cotonou, with discussions focusing on Oyo heritage, historical and cultural ties between Yoruba communities in Nigeria and Benin, and the need for unity and peaceful coexistence.

Onisile later met the leadership of Ẹgbẹ Isokan Ọmọ Yoruba in Benin and representatives of the Agboluaje and Onikoyi families, where he delivered the Alaafin’s message of peace and unity, while the umbrella body pledged to support reconciliation among Yoruba factions in Porto-Novo.

The final leg of the mission took Onisile to Ayogo-Ile, an ancient settlement with historical links to Oyo-Ile, where discussions centred on the traditional relationship between the community and the Alaafin’s Palace, with the visit expected to further strengthen cultural and traditional ties ahead of the Oyo Empire Day celebration.