From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Olowu of Owu kingdom, Saka Adelola Matemilola, yesterday, officially declared open the 24th edition of Odun Omo Olowu, with inter-faith prayer sessions and commencement of medical outreach for the people of Owu kingdom.
Briefing newsmen on the activities lined up to celebrate the annual festival slated to start on October 23 and end October 28, 2023, Matemilola said the festival is the kingdom’s flagship aimed to foster spirit of unity among the Owu people, both home and abroad
The monarch said the annual festival is also organised to celebrate and showcase Owu’s rich cultural heritage as well as an opportunity to strengthen relationships between Owu communities and their neighbours.
He said the 2023 edition of Odun Omo Olowu with the theme: ‘The New Dawn’, has been specifically put together not only to celebrate and promote the rich traditions and culture of Owu kingdom, but to also engage the youths through advocacy, particularly on the dangers of substance abuse.
According to the Olowu, the advocacy group of the kingdom will collaborate with the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta; and Positive Youths and Family Life Mission Centre, to sensitise the youths via a lecture on issues relating to substance abuse.
“As part of our advocacy programme, the NDLEA will deliver a lecture primarily targeting the youths on the ills and dangers of substance abuse. Also, we are actively collaborating with NDLEA and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to address the menace of substance use, cultism and hooliganism in secondary schools across our neighbourhood.”
While listing other activities lined up for the event to include visits to Owu townships within and outside Abeokuta; arts and crafts exhibition and conferment of traditional titles on deserving individuals, the traditional ruler said Owu kingdom will continue to make facilities available to enhance the socio-economic growth and development of vulnerable indigenes of Owu.