Just like yesterday, three decades ago, we all came together on those last days of the first ember month, seeking administrative convenience rather than separation of people.
We all came together, seeking a separate identity under the Nigerian sun.
Hitting the rock, climbing the hills, because giving up is not an option,
We all came together with our stomach full of emptiness and our hearts full of requests, seeking the face of God, our Father, to come and do His wonders.
Because we know: “Eni ba maa b’esu jeun, sibi re a gun gan-an.”
After waiting upon the Lord, our strength became renewed. We became the talk of the town: “Ekiti go spiritual for state.”
And on that first day of the 10th month, it was on this day that the hill was erected by the second apple eater.
And now, the come has come to become, saddled with the fate she didn’t choose and the destiny she cannot escape, because of her closeness to God and the gods.
We came together, electing Honour from Praises, followed by the Rock, the deity that eats fried rice, and then the Silent Oracle, and the Gentle Warrior.
And now, every day is Christmas, because our enemies would have rejoiced, but the God of the Hills has not permitted it.
Today, we celebrate the hills on the third floor, because the river flows peacefully strange at Erijiyan.
Yes, you need to be aware of the waterfall at Arinta.
That there’s a spring of warm and cold water at Ikogosi Yes, both rivers meet peacefully to bring life to humanity.
Now, tell me: why are we not going to celebrate the hill on the third floor?
Today, we celebrate the hills on the third floor because here, the beauty of mountains and hills lies.
That’s why we are referred to as “OLOKITI.”
Because within here, Olosunta and Orole Hills stand vehemently; within here, Abanijorin and Olokemeji sit confidently.
Ask Deji Fasuan: what do you see to place such hope in a land called barren? And he will tell you
It is not the great nation that gives birth to great people; it is great people that give birth to great nations.
From Olubummo’s numbers to Fajuyi history, our minds have shaped the nation.
From Olowe’s carved wonders to Osundare and Ojudu the pen Lord’s
From Afe Babalola’s law to ABUAD, institutions rose from the land called barren
From Lady Jibowu to Osuntokun, scholars crowned through toil.
From Wole Olanipekun to Opeyemi Bamidele, voices of service grew.
For the love of the nation, Oluyede di asa’ju ninu agbotiku ika yo.
For the love of the nation, Falana kò kọ́gbọ̀ tíe mọ́; tí gbogbo wa ló ńgbọ́ kiri. Those that call us barren, Ifá wọn ti p’ohun dá.
Today, we celebrate the hills on the third floor because our faith and fate stand at the mountain top of Ayoba.
From the mountain top flows the idea that pays salaries in due time.
From the mountain top flows the idea that makes us fly high through Agro-Allied Airport.
From the mountain top flows the idea that creates a pathway for our agricultural products to find their way to the market— so our yams can become pounded yam!
From the mountain top flows the idea that puts smiles on pensioners’ faces.
From the mountain top flows the idea that builds lodges for investors.
From the mountain top flows the idea that provides vehicles for security operations.
Over there, at the mountain top of Ayoba, we are proud to say:
Our Faith, Fate, and Hope are safe with BAO.
Today, we celebrate the hills on the third floor because we understand the role of women— that they also can take the lead, not only in the kitchen and the other room, but in decision-making.
Because from the mountain top flows the idea that made the Brain Behind BAO initiate the Adire Hub.
From the mountain top flows the idea that made widows say, “WOW!” to Baoress through WAOH Projects.
From the mountain top flows the idea that wiped away tears from the masses’ eyes through grassroots communication.
Here, our coming together breathes prosperity.
Here, oun a ba jọ̀rọ̀, kí’pegun. Here, oun a sepo ni’leye.
Here at the mountain top, we can assure you of solace after journeying through the Café of Ashes and the Forest of Termites.
If the 14 children of Olofin, the son of Oduduwa, can find solace here, then know this:
Anything you invest here will not only grow like the Cedar of Lebanon, but also stand strong like the hills and mountains at Ikere.
Though we are not there yet, not even close, but we are not where we used to be.
It keeps getting better because we have a Governor that cares.
And today, we celebrate the hill that is closer to God and the gods more than any other state in the federation.
If you don’t believe, go to Ire and ask Ogun Onire.
If you don’t believe, go to Efon-Alaaye and ask Prophet Ayo Babalola.
If you don’t believe, ask Jesus where He goes meet with God the Father and the prophets.
You can watch this amazing piece on YouTube via the link: https://youtu.be/2oKQeUCfgi8?si=pIDXUt02sUedxLsU
