Odo-Ape Community Celebrates 2026 Annual Day Festival in Grand Style
The Odo-Ape community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State celebrated its 2026 Annual Day Festival in grand style.
The event, themed “A Celebration of Heritage and Progress,” brought together distinguished guests, including a representative of the Kogi State Government, Mrs. Ayoade Arome Folashade, the SGS, esteemed leaders, and community members.
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Mr. Jethro Kehinde Ologbonyo, National President of Odo-Ape Development Association, began by welcoming guests to the 2026 annual cultural day celebration and fundraising event.
He highlighted the significance of the occasion, emphasizing the community’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.
Ologbonyo showcased various aspects of Odo-Ape culture, including the Egungun festival, traditional marriage system, Amoja song, and Egunda festival
He emphasized the importance of preserving these traditions and institutions like Iyeolofosi and Iyeolughonle, which embody the community’s values.
The association expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for supporting the community, citing donations and infrastructure development.
Ologbonyo also commended Hon. Durosinmi Meseko’s efforts in promoting development, and urged the government to address socio-economic challenges facing the community, including poor infrastructure, limited access to healthcare and education, and insecurity
Ologbonyo reaffirmed the community’s alignment with the APC’s ‘Renewed Hope’ vision and their support for progressive leadership.
He promised that the community would continue to support development-focused initiatives, and urged attendees to contribute to the fundraising efforts.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, commended the community for their resilience in the face of security challenges.
She pointed out that the administration of Governor Ododo Usman is working hard to eliminate insecurity in the state.
She urged the people of Odo-Ape to continue supporting government initiatives to reduce insecurity to the bare minimum, stressing that the government is proud of their son, Hon. Durosinmi Meseko, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of APC, who is representing the state at the national level for the party.
She charged them to continue supporting him, as their support for him is for the party and state’s success. She promised that the state government will continue to support the community in all ramifications.
While in his keynote address, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, who is also son of the soil, Hon. Durosinmi Meseko, emphasized the importance of preserving the community’s cultural heritage while embracing progress and development.
He noted that the event was a testament to the community’s resilience, wisdom, and potential, and urged everyone to celebrate with joy and unity.
He highlighted the values of unity, hard work, and mutual respect that define the Odo-Ape people, stressing the need to pass these on to future generations.
He encouraged the community to pool their resources to drive development, equip children with modern tools, and support one another in pursuit of progress.
The event, he said, was a call to action for community development, and he urged everyone to be ambassadors of peace, promoting togetherness and shared prosperity.
He thanked the organizers and traditional rulers for keeping the community’s cultural flame burning bright, and inspired the crowd to reach for greater heights.
In his opening remarks, Oba Meseko expressed gratitude to the Almighty for the gift of life, peace, and unity, and celebrated the community’s heritage, culture, and resilience.
The monarch thanked guests for their support and prayed that the celebration would inspire collective efforts towards a brighter future for Odo-Ape and beyond.
He urged everyone to enjoy the festive occasion, saying it was a testament to the community’s strength and determination.
Asiwaju Prince Dr. Olatunji Olusoji, the Asiwaju of Ayere Kingdom, was the Chief Launcher and was represented at the event by veteran journalist and publisher, Chief Olugbemi Femi, who delivered his message of peace, unity, and development to the community.
In his speech, Prince Olusoji emphasized the importance of unity and collective effort in driving positive change and building a brighter future for the community. He welcomed visitors and encouraged everyone to celebrate with joy, embracing the community’s vibrant culture and hospitality.
The renowned philanthropist said he decided to support the community’s festival day celebrations due to his commitment to Okunland’s development, noting that such events showcase the people’s rich cultural heritage.
The event featured cultural displays, music, and traditional dances, showcasing the rich heritage and attire on display. of the Odo-Ape people.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MAY 3RD 2026)
