Distinct Media

  By Abiodun Atilola, Ibadan    The Quiet Architect of Greatness  behind every towering tree of success, there is a deep, unseen network of roots that holds it steady, nourishes it through dry seasons and anchors it against the wind. In the narrative of Oyo State’s  governance, few names carry the academic and administrative weight of Professor Musibau Babatunde, the current Secretary to the Oyo State Government. Yet, to understand the intellect, discipline and profound sense of public service he brings to Oyo State, one must look to the source.  On August 23, 2026, all roads lead to a celebration of love, longevity and legacy as the matriarch of the Babatunde family, Alhaja Rafatu Alake Babatunde, celebrates her 80th birthday. For decades, Alhaja Rafatu has lived as a quiet force. She belongs to a generation of Nigerian women who understood that the ultimate measure of a life is not in personal accolades, but in the character and caliber of the lives they ...

  The Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, mni, has called on sons and daughters of Ibarapaland to unite and collaborate towards bringing meaningful development to their various towns and communities in the Ibarapa zone of the State. Dr. Fasina made this call at the Maiden Grand Reception and Awards Recognition Ceremony in honour of distinguished Ibarapa sons and daughters, organised by the Ibarapa Critical Stakeholders Forum (ICSF) at Damola Hall, Eruwa, Oyo State. The Head of Service charged Ibarapa stakeholders to embrace unity and harness the talents, achievements and collective strength of the people of the zone for the benefit of present and future generations. She urged the forum to provide strategic engagement, recognise excellence and promote collective action towards achieving sustainable growth and development across Ibarapaland. Dr. Fasina also called on the ICSF to promote unity and constructive dialogue, noting that, such initiatives would encourage young pe...

 * * The National President of the Remo Secondary School Old Students Association (RSSOSA), Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has celebrated the National Vice President of the Association’s UK Branch, Mr. Damola Aiyeola, on the occasion of his 60th birthday, describing him as a God-fearing family man, committed leader and an exemplary Old Student whose years of service have continued to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and the development of Remo Secondary School and beyond.  In a special birthday message marking the significant milestone, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking described Aiyeola’s 60 years as a life of purpose, faith, family, leadership and service, noting that his contributions to RSSOSA demonstrate a deep understanding of the responsibility that comes with belonging to an association of Old Students. The RSSOSA National President praised Aiyeola’s leadership as the National Vice President of the Association’s UK Branch, noting that his contribution goes bey...

  The Yoruba Tennis Club has unveiled a four-day Centenary Cultural Week as part of activities marking the 100th anniversary of the prestigious club, with a series of events designed to celebrate Yoruba heritage, tradition, culture and the enduring bond of brotherhood among members. The programme, announced by the Brand, Media and Communication Sub-Committee of the club, is expected to provide a platform for members to reconnect with the cultural values and traditions that have shaped the institution over the past century. The cultural week will commence on Sunday, August 23, 2026, with the Abalabi Dance, while the  second day of the programme, scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, will feature a Cultural Colloquium, with Professor Peter Fatomilola of the Department of Dramatic Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, as Guest Speaker. The Traditional Day Celebration will follow on Friday, August 28. The Royal Father of the Day is the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadeb...

  The Olofin Adimula Culture and Traditions Foundation has commended former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for pioneering the declaration of August 20 as a work-free day in recognition of Isese Day. The foundation also praised the governors of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States for declaring Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day to commemorate this year’s Isese Day celebration. In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Convener, Comrade Akinpelu Adesina, the foundation called on the remaining South-West governors to follow suit by officially recognising August 20 as a public holiday dedicated to celebrating Yoruba culture and traditional religion. Adesina, who is also the Atayese Olosun of Ibadanland, said Aregbesola deserved recognition as the first governor to declare a public holiday for the celebration of Yoruba traditional religion and culture during his tenure as Osun State Governor. He described Isese Day as an important occasion for celebrating the rich...

  The Deputy Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Oladeni Adebisi, has reaffirmed his commitment to the growth and success of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), urging members and supporters of the party to remain steadfast, united and committed to the political movement. Hon. Adebisi gave the assurance during his visit to the Allied Peoples Movement local government meeting in Ibadan Southwest Local Government, where contestants for various elective positions within the local government and other party stakeholders gathered to deliberate on the progress of the party. The lawmaker’s arrival at the meeting venue was greeted with excitement and a large crowd of supporters from his constituency, who welcomed him with funfair, solidarity songs and enthusiastic cheers. Party members and supporters also took turns to shower encomiums on the lawmaker, applauding his accessibility, commitment to grassroots development and continued support for his people. Speaking at t...