Ayobami Ife
There is palpable feeling of excitement already in Aworiland, Ogun State, as its sons and daughters reputed for recording many successes in various endeavours, are now set to re - jig the celebration of their rich cultural heritage - Iganmode Day, slated for Saturday, December 22.
The cultural event was rested about a decade ago, but the Olota in Council and other stakeholders of Aworiland have deemed it fit to rejuvenate a practice that had in the past, helped to strengthen the bond of unity and peace among them as well as a vehicle for mobilising the indigenes for communal developments.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who is one of the special guests of honour, is expected to grace the occasion, where Chieftaincy titles would be conferred on some deserving personalities.
The Olota of Otta, Oba (Professor) AbdulKabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, said the planned Iganmode Day celebration would be used to mark the cultural heritage of the Awori people; 'bring back the spirit of their ancestors' and foster greater unity in Aworiland.
Obalanlege added that it is also going to be an annual celebration henceforth.
“The Ignamode day celebration ought to be a yearly event and it is going to be a yearly event from now on," Oba Obalanlege said.
The monarch hinted that the renowned business magnate and philanthropist, Chief Kensington Adebutu, would be conferred with a Chieftaincy title at the grand finale,on Saturday while the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Chief Jide Ojuko is also to be conferred with the Olotu of Otta title.
Equally of note would be the presentation of the key to the Otta township to the Proprietor and Founder of the Covenant University, Otta , Bishop David Oyedepo, for his immense contributions to the growth and development of Otta..
The monarch explained the significance of presenting the key to Bishop Oyedepo, saying "it signifies that he has become a son of the soil; it signifies that he has so many privilege in Otta. He is not from Otta , but he has done so much than even those who come from Otta.
"We are presenting the key to the city of Otta to Bishop David Oyedepo because he has done so much for the city. He has helped us in so many ways ; when it comes to roads, he has been maintaining our roads for us. He has also donated handsomely towards the completion of Olota palace as well as the Ijamido town hall."
Prior to the conferment of Chieftaincy titles, Prof. Obalanlege said there would be an economic summit slated for Wednesday, December 12 to determine the Gross Domestic Product(GDP) of those that live and work in Otta, including the people of Agbara, Igbesa and Otta, to help in socio - cultural and economic planning.
He said: “We don’t even know much about our economy in Otta but we know we have a thriving economy. It is only when we conduct the GDP that we will know the economic value of the city.’’
Other activities lined up for the event include, cultural show, street carnival as well as finals of Olota’s cup which is already on going.
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