The people of the great ancient City of Otta are getting set for yet another historic celebration of Omo Iganmode Cultural Festival, the 30th Edition that will be featuring the rich cultural values and norms of the Otta Awori people, its connection and relevance in fighting insecurity.
This was disclosed at the well attended Press Conference, held on Wednesday, 2nd November 2022 at Oba Isiyemi Hall, Olota’s Palace, Enu Owa in the ancient City of Otta.
In his royal remarks, the Olofin Apesin Olode, Olota of Otta, Awori Kingdom, His Majesty, Oba Professor Adeyemi Abdukabir Obalanlege, Ph.D, MCIPR, MPRII, FHEA (Arole Iganmode, Lanlege Ekun II) thanked Aare Ayodele Bankole led planning committee for their uncommon commitments in making the kingdom proud through a well-packaged festival as experienced in 2021 series.
On the theme of this years’ festival “Culture, Communal Security and Patriotism“, His Majesty said
“The theme could not have been more apt especially as we, like most communities in the country, are challenged by what now appears to be the intractable challenge of security. It has tasked our government and security forces alike and called to question whether we have not lost our sense of community of the weirdness of its manifestation.“
According to His Majesty, the event will stir the people’s collective interest to tackle the scourge of insecurity with every arsenal available with the inclusion/recognising the aged long means of security. “We cannot fold our arms and allow them free rein. You and I have a responsibility to stop them before they stop us.” He concluded.
The Otun Maiyegun of Otta, Awori Kingdom, Aare Ayodele Bankole, who is leading the central planning team for the second consecutive time, thanked the people of Otta for the unflinching support he got at 2021 while he sought for more support to make the 30th Otta homecoming festival a remarkable event in the history of the ancient City of Otta.
According to Aare Bankole, “Our festival received tremendous support from the State Government under the leadership of our Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR who insisted, for the rich contexts of our cultural festival, the pride of a people it espouses, the State must adopt and insert Odun Omo Iganmode in the cultural calendar of the state.
Also, “To celebrate this iconic festival the committee has adopted a theme for this year’s event: Culture, Communal Security and Patriotism.
“This year’s Odun Omo Iganmode, the 30th edition, will be a week-long event schedule to hold from 12th December 2022.” He submitted.
In a brief goodwill message delivered by the Executive Chairman, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Hon. Sheriff Musa, assured the people of Otta of his total support for the festival, promising to mobilise like-minds in the Government circle and potential facilitators in ensuring a successful hosting of the Festival.
To further establish their support, MTN, De-United foods “Indomie” and Justrite Stores are well represented.
Stakeholders that were in attendance; Oba Clement Akinyemi (Ajana of Ijana Otta), Oba Akeem Odunaro (Onikotun of Otta), Oba Wadudu Deinde (Akokun of Oruba), High Chief Deinde Oyedele, High Chief Adedayo Akindele Eleku, High Chief Ezekiel Fadipe, High Chief Oladele Adeniji, High Chief Abimbola Dada, High Chief Rufiat Ojugbele Mathew, HighChief Olukemi Adeogun, Aare Surv. Segun Osifeso, Chief(Mrs) Olusade Ogunwale, Chief Temitayo Idowu, Otunba Deji Kosebinu, Olota Progressives Baales, Otta Youths led by Akeweje Rafiu Bakare, and many others.
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