By Oluwakemi Ishola
The newly nstalled Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Chief Yekini Abass popularly known as YK Abass has appreciated the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji Ajeogunguniso, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dauda Makanjuola Akinola for their supprts before and during his last Friday installation as Babaloja-General of Oyo State.
Alhaji YK Abass, who was a former Vice Chairman of the Shooting Star Sports Club (3SC), Ibadan and Founder YKABASS Football Club that won Nigerian under 13 Youthfon Football competition cup in 2003 and later represented Oyo state and Nigeria in Europe Norway youthfon world cup competition, was installed Babaloja-General of Oyo State last Friday by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji at Popoyemoja palace in Ibadan.
The new Babaloja-General also appreciated the Oyo State Market leader’s Council like the Canteen Workers Association.
President under Alhaja Chief Mrs Hamdalat Iyadunni Lawal (2) Tradesmen and Artusans Oyo State.
President undef Alh Chief Yisau Kolawole Hamzat; (3) Joint Traders’ Association of Oyo State.
President under Chief Mrs Patience Labake Lawal JP and (4) NIGERIA YOUTHS TRADER’S ACTION INTERNATIONAL. (NYTACI) under their President : Alh Chief Najimudeen Amole Azeez.
Chief YK Abass also thanked the OYO STATE ASSOCIATION OF TRADER’S IN NIGERIA. (OYSATRIN)
President under Chief Mrs Stella Modupe Olabode JP; (6) NATIONAL TRADER’S AND MARKET LEADER’S COUNCIL. (NATMALC)
President under Alhaja Chief Mrs Sikirat Hammed Lawal; (7) OYO STATE MARKET MEN AND WOMEN ASSOCIATION
President under Late. Chief Dauda Adisa Oladapo and finally (8) IBADAN JOINTS TRADER’S ASSOCIATION
President under Alh Dauda Abiodun Oladepo.
Asiwaju YK Abass is a renowned textile merchant and an Ibadan socialite who got award from Central Council of IbadanIndigenes (CCII) as a prestigious citizen of Ibadan.
Oba. Adetunji had described the new Babaloja General as a successful business and sports enthusiast, who had contributed immensely to the development in the state.
He said that the new Babaloja rose from being a local textile merchant to an international business tycoon, employing scores of people in his chain of businesses.
The monarch said that YK Abass was the right and credible individual to lead traders in the state considering the contributions of the new Babaloja to the development of Oyo state, .
Adetunji said the newly installed Babaloja is lucky to be installed while he was celebrating his birthday, describing the installation as a success for the entire people of the state.
The Olubadan prayed for peaceful coexistence of traders in Ibadanland, Oyo state and Nigeria.
The new Babaloja promised to always protect the interest of market men and women across the state and partner government in ensuring conducive environment for trading.
YK Abass assured the government, traders and people of the state that he won’t discriminate against anyone.
He urged traders to keep observing COVID- 19 protocol as outlined by the government at all levels.
