Ogidi Day 2023: Kogi Poly Rector, Ogbo Installs as Otunba Olutaiyese of Ogidi Kingdom
By Sunday Ajayi – Lokoja
It was a gathering of dignitaries from all walks of life yesterday in Ogidi, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State north central, Nigeria to witness the biggest cultural festival in June in Nigeria to celebrate this year new yam festival.
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The occasion which was meant to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people and other traditional cultural troupes from other nearby communities, also afforded the traditional council of the community to confer honorary Chieftaincy titles on deserving individuals across ethnic divides.
This year’s celebration was unique as the Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Dr Usman Ogbo was the only individual bestowed a honorary Chieftaincy title as the Otuba Olutaiyese” of Ogidi Kingdom by His Royal Highness, Oba Rabiu Oladimeji Sule, Ologidi of Ogidi Kingdom.
Speaking at the event, the monarch of the community, Oba Rabiu Sule said the Ogidi Traditional Council under his leadership has found Dr Usman Ogbo worthy of honor considering his giant contributions to the educational sector, hence they decided to bestow the Chieftaincy title on him to encourage him to do more for humanity.
The monarch said Ogidi Day celebration, is the cultural festival of Ogidi people and it has continued to draw both local and foreign participations since it started in 2007.
According to him, the annual event has become a rallying point for the people and has attracted development to their area, as well as boost the economy, stressing that Ogidi Day is exceptional given its cultural content and the rich background of the historic, valiant and decisive battle of the Okun people.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the event in Ogidi, the highly elated newly installed Otunba Olutaiyese of Ogidi land commended the community traditional council led by Oba Rabiu Sule for the honor done him, promised to justify the confidence reposed in him as now an ambassador of the community.
He said as a title holder of the community, he would request the community to give him a land to build a house and also a woman to marry, pointing out that the honor is a cultural integration that should be encouraged by all in the country.
He pledged henceforth to continue to do those things that will contribute to the overall development of the community, noted that the honor was dear to his heart.
Other dignitaries at the event described the recognition as a testimony of Dr. Usman Ogbo’s unique demonstration of hard work, consistency, human empowerments and sterling contributions in improving the educational sector, and community activities of Kogi state.
They said they were confident that the recognition would in no small measure reinvigorate the recipient to continue on the path of contributing immensely to the development of the community, state and Nigeria at large.
