Odun Omo Iganmode: Social, Cultural Groups, Others, Enjoin to Support Celebration

   Odun Omo Iganmode: Social, Cultural Groups, Others, Enjoin to Support Celebration

Olota (3rd right) Chairman (3rd left)

Social and cultural groups, as well as Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State have been enjoined to rally round the Central Planning Committee (CPC), 2021 Odun Omo Iganmode Afeleja, towards hosting a successful  Celebration, 'a December to Remember'.

Chairman of the  Committee  Aare Dele Bankole while seeking the support of the groups at the palace of the Olota of Ota, explained that the potentials of the event would be used to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Ado-Odo/Ota and the Awori people in particular.

Olota of Otta, Awori Kingdom, His Majesty, Professor Adeyemi Abdukabir Obalanlege,  (Arole Iganmode, Lanlege Ekun II) with the Chairman of Odun Omo Iganmode, Chief Ayodele Bankole with some members of Odun Omo Iganmode Central Planning Committee (CPC) at an event recently

According to the Chairman, "the State's Ministry of Culture and Tourism is already committed to making this year’s Odun Omo Iganmode an Ogun State affair. We must therefore form partnership with the state government to showcase the cultural  heritage of Ota-Awori Kingdom, which includes her foods, her dances, cultural practices and others socio-cultural attitudes to the whole world.

"I must also appreciate our action Governor, His Excelllency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his deep seated interest for any thing Ogun West, particularly his desire to open up the entire State as pot-pourri of sorts for anything that attracts interest in the Gateway state. Odun Omo Iganmode 2021 Festival will not be an exception.

"It was expected, by the conclusion of the celebrations on December 18th, Odun Omo Iganmode would have become a major tourist attraction in Ogun State and the entire Yoruba sub-nationality", Aare Bankole said. 

He noted that the moral and financial supports received so far from various groups and associations would go a long way to ensure proper planning  and execution to the minutes details, saying, “every arrangement would be centrally carried out, as no club is expected to pay for canopy or chairs during the events”

"Clubs are expected to donate into the central purse for smooth preparations. All donations made are being publicly announced and same will be published in the official publication of the festival and on our official websites. I’m sure no club or society would want to be left out.

"Every arrangement will be handle by the CPC, so you don't have to pay for canopies and chairs. I also wish to commend the contributions and various commitments of the sons and daughters of Ota/Awori home and abroad towards this year's celebration", he stated.

Corroborating the Chairman, a former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Nurudeen Aina,  implored the groups to cooperate with the committee, while the President, Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide, Chief Abiodun Omoroga advised that efforts on on publicity should be intensified, saying it is important to reach out to families, Olori Igas, Baales  and other critical stakeholders to make the event a truly communal one.

Chief Omoroga suggested that youths should be given recognition during the celebration, imploring members to inform more successful sons and daughters of Ota -Awori Kingdom from all over the world and about the programme.

On his part, Alhaji Dagbure, representing club 15, charged the groups to be more committed to the celebration and to the development of Ota community, commending the committee for its transparency by announcing every donation being committed by the citizenry. He further suggested that more clubs and societies, as well companies should be contacted to be part of the events.

Also at the meeting, the President, Ota Gravity Foundation, Mr. Semiu Adeniran announced a donation of N300,000 in support of the festival, saying, "we, as a foundation, our support for any programme that will promote socio-cultural and development of Ota is unflinching”, encouraging other social and cultural groups to follow this initiative and make 'Odun Omo Iganmode' a tourist identity for Ogun State. 

 Breakdown of this year's activities is as follow; Monday, December 13, Osugbo Prayer at the Palace, Medical Outreach and visit to Charity Homes, Tuesday, 14th, Youth Summit, followed on Wednesday, 15th with Cultural Day, Thursday, 16th, Installation of Chiefs, while 17th is for Jumat Service, with the Grand Finale on Saturday 18th and Thanksgiving Service at Living Faith Tabernacle, aka Winners’ Chapel on Sunday, December 19.

Meanwhile, members of this year's various committees have decided to adopt transparency and accountability, while they pledged to support the Central Planning Committee (CPC) maximally.