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From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, on Monday, 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, Oba Matemilola noted that the festival is the kingdom’s flagship aimed to foster spirit of unity among the Owu people, both home and abroad
The monarch added that the annual festival is also organized to celebrate and showcase Owu’s rich cultural heritage as well as an opportunity to strengthen relationships between Owu communities and their neighbours.
He noted further that 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 youth 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 sensitize the youth via a lecture on issues relating to substance abuse.
“As part of our advocacy programme, the NDLEA will deliver a lecture primarily targeting the youth on the ills and dangers of substance abuse. Also, we are actively collaborating with NDLEA and NSCDC to address the menace of substance use, cultism and hooliganism in secondary schools across our neighbourhood”, Oba Matemilola stated.
While listing other activities lined up for the event including visits to Owu townships within and outside Abeokuta; arts and crafts exhibition and conferment of traditional titles on deserving individuals, the traditional ruler submitted that Owu Kingdom will continue to make facilities available to enhance the socioeconomic growth and development of vulnerable indigenes of Owu.
