- By Ajani Adebayo, Ado-Ekiti
In a bid to reposition and bring more developmental projects to Okemesi community, the headquarters of Okemesi/Ido-Ile Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ekiti State, the leadership of Federation of Okemesi Improvement Union (FOIU) in collaboration with Okemesi Day 2024 Planning Committee, has mapped out various strategies to make this year edition of Okemesi Day Celebrations colourful with pomps and glitz.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the planning committee, Hon. Johnson Oyekola Bode-Adeoye (JOBA) and made available to TopNews by the Head of Media and Publicity, comrade Demola Atobaba, said his committee members has received the blessing of the Owa-Ooye-In-Council and that of the umbrella body of FOIU to ensure a befitting outing by organizing an annual celebration that will project the image of the town to the outside world with loud ovation.
In what could be regarded as a major improvement over the past outings, Hon. Bode-Adeoye explained that, adding funfare will, however, not undermine the basic objective of raising funds to complete the on-going projects, especially the construction of the ultra-modern Owa-Ooye Palace of Okemesi-Ekiti plus other projects.
Hon. Bode-Adeoye, a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, stated that while his committee would look inwards for sponsors and donors among the sons and daughters of the town, efforts would also be geared towards inviting philanthropists from outside, particularly public spirited friends and well-wishers to contribute to the financial drive aimed at developing the community.
According to him, some notable families would be consulted to sponsor different aspects of the programmes in the gold, bronze and silver categories, while other wealthy individuals would be approached to institute new awards and honours in order to reach out to more youths who are looking up to them for good leadership and mentorship.
Apart from plans to co-opt quarter chiefs, clan heads, youths and home-based professional associations and others outside the town for active mobilisation and participation, Hon. Bode-Adeoye stated that members of FOIU in different towns and cities plus other branches across the country including diasporans also have roles to play as part of their community service and social responsibility.
The Chairman, who commended some of the sons and daughters of Okemesi for their moral and financial commitment over the years, also called on others to emulate them, saying, no matter how small, every kind gesture and service to humanity remain an enduring legacy that would not only engender human and social development, but also engrave their names in gold in the hearts of beneficiaries.
The event, which is slated for the opening ceremony on Monday 21st October and with a grand finale on Saturday 26th October 2024, will feature programmes such as press interface/briefing, free healthcare mission, football match among various quarters, ayo olopon, draft game and schools quiz competition.
Others include Ijala ere ode, cultural troupe, candle light procession, talents hunt for Okemesi upcoming artistes, donation fundraising and awards of excellence to deserving individuals who have contributed immensely to the development of Okemesi community.
