By Lukman Omikunle
- …seeks more infrastructural development in Otta
The “Odun Omo Iganmode Afeleja” is the biggest annual cultural festival in Ota Aworiland
The Olota of Otta, Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Obalanlege, Lanlege Ekun II, during the grand finale of the 2021 Iganmode cultural festival honoured the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun with the Culture and Tourism Commitment Award.
The award which was in appreciation of the governor’s unprecedented absolute support for the festival was received by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele.
The colourful grand finale of the festival was held on December 18, 2021, on the open field of Ansar-ur-deen Comprehensive College situated in the heart of Otta.
Olota, while presenting the award plaque, said governor Abiodun has in many ways shown his commitment to boost the values of culture and tourism in Otta and across the entire State. He expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s show of commitment and support for the development of tourism in the state.
After the award presentation, the revered monarch also reminded the state government of the need to fix the deplorable major and link roads in the Awori Kingdom.
Obalanlege who made the call said the entire people of the kingdom and particularly the “Ota witches and wizards are ready to pursue progress and development of the town.”
Otta is the headquarters of Ado-Odo/Ota local government, Nigeria’s second most industrialized area. The council is also one of the biggest in size and population in the country.
Deputy Governor Oyedele-Salako, reacting after receiving the award on behalf of the governor, thanked the Awori monarch and the entire people of the kingdom for the special award. She further announced a donation of N10 million from Governor Abiodun to further support the annual Odun Omo Iganmode Afeleja festival in addition to a previous N500,000 donation.
Aare Dele Bankole, the chairman, Central Planning Committee, also thanked the Deputy Governor, who was at the event as a proud indigene of Otta and as well as the key representative of Ogun State Government.
Chief Bankole, also on behalf of the Committee, expressed deep appreciation to the numerous donors, individuals, organisations and the media that supported and made the 2021 edition of the festival a ‘December to Remember.’
The “Odun Omo Iganmode Afeleja” is the biggest annual cultural festival in Ota Aworiland. The 2021 edition which was themed; “Culture: A Module For Sustainable Leadership In Nigeria” has been adjudged as the most colourful and eventful so far after a week-long display of the Awori cultural values and ethics.
