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From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
All is set for the celebration of the annual Odide Day cultural ceremony organised by the Ilajo Royal Family of Kabba in Kogi State with the theme, ‘Odun ife ati Irepo.’
A statement by the chairman planning committee, Elder J. Oluwole Adebola and the Secretary, Dr. Senewo Emmanuel Femi, stated that Odide Day celebration is meant to celebrate the memories and achievements of Obaro Odide, the progenitor of the Ilajo royal family, and to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the ancient town of Kabba
The planning committee chairman said the event, which is expected to draw many personalities to the town, is an annual event that brings family members both within and outside the country together to fraternise, savour the rich local delicacies and thank God for His mercies and provision during the outgoing year.
He said the celebration would span three days filled with fanfare, praises and worship, free medical outreach, cultural displays, and conferment of awards to deserving prominent indigenes and non indigenes of the community.
The chairman said the ceremony would be addressed by an erudite professor, Wing Commander Prof Adetokunbo Rafel Adebola (retd). He will speak on ‘Love and unity as ingredients for community development.’
According to the chairman, personalities slated for award of excellence for their outstanding contributions to the development of the Owe community include the President of Kabba Development Union, Emmanuel Ajibero, head of INTERPOL in Nigeria, AIG Idowu Owohunwa and Vice Admiral Joseph Ajayi (retd), former Defence Chief of Intelligence. Pa Adebiyi, a non indigene, will be honoured for his love and commitment to Owe land.
Others to be honoured are renowned entrepreneur, investment banker and philanthropist, Mr. Gabriel Adetuntun Bonidefaye Owope, Mr. Banji Jimoh, renowned banker and former Kogi State governorship aspirant and Olusegun Toluhi, renowned engineer, egg-head and pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Posthumous award of Heroes and Heroines of Ilajo Royal Family would go the the immediate past Obaro of Kabba, Oba Michael Folorunsho Olobayo, Mr. John I Olorunleke, Chief Mrs Margaret Audu and Chief Samuel Adekunle.
Scholarship awards would be given to 20 Ilajo students in tertiary institutions. Ten of the awards are based on exceptional academic performance while the others are in aid of the academic pursuits of beneficiaries.
