Ogidi Development Union Hosts Nigeria’s Biggest Cultural Festival in June, Calls for Increased Government Support
Ogidi community in Ijumu local government area of Kogi State has celebrated the biggest cultural Festival in June in Nigeria in grand style where dignitaries from all walks of life trooped into the community to witness the ever colorful event that showcases the rich cultural heritages of the people.
Welcoming the dignitaries to the event held on Saturday at the Community Hall Grounds, Agegbe, Ogidi, the National President of Ogidi Development Union, Mr Kayode Ralph Eniolorunda used the opportunity to appreciate God who kept the people of the community to witness the 2024 edition which also promised to be unique.
He noted that apart from promotion of the cultural heritage of the Community, the Day was set aside to pull resources together for community development.
He stated that “this year’s event is especially unique in that, by providential coincidence, this year’s cultural festival falls on June 15, which is the traditional new yam celebration day in Ogidi.
“With the array of guests, local and international, gathered here today, what began as a dream to position our community on the global stage, as a cultural tourism destination is gradually becoming a reality.
“Putting this event together year after year has always been a herculean task, but for the dogged commitment of our indefatigable Director-General, Mr Tunde Ipinmisho and his team in the Central Planning Committee, we salute you sir.
“It is our hope that in a short while from now, the developmental gains envisioned from this annual event will begin to materialize. In fact, I have no doubt that it will begin right now and here, given the caliber of dignitaries present today.
He used the occasion to applaud the member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Chief James Abiodun Faleke for facilitating the ongoing Kabba-Ogidi-Ayere road.
“Let me also publicly express our collective gratitude to a great son of Ijumu and a friend of Ogidi, Hon James Abiodun Faleke through whose relentless intervention the Federal Government is undertaking the rehabilitation of the Kabba-Ogidi-Ayere-Ondo State boundary road.
“The road is 60 percent completed. It is our prayer that the Lord will continue to bless him with great substance, good health and a long and healthy life.
He also used the opportunity to called on government at all levels to assist the community in all ramifications.
Speaking with journalists on the sideline of the event, the Director General of Ogidi Day Festival, Mr. Tunde Ipinmisho, a veteran Journalist, said though the current economic challenges affected the Planning for the event, it came out to be the most colorful occasion since its inception years ago.
“Ogidi Day Festival is a symbol of unity as you can see people from all walks of life coming to see our rich cultural heritage. I just want to say that Ogidi Day is getting better and better and we thank almighty God,” he noted.
He emphasized that Ogidi Day Festival has become Nigeria’s biggest Cultural Event in June, attracting local and international tourists from all walks of life.
Mr Ipinmisho said the event is also a symbol of unity, bringing Okun sons and daughters together to witness the rich cultural heritage of the Community.
Also speaking is Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Adekunle Razaq Oyinloye, the Eesa of Omuaran land commended the organisers of the event, stressing that his own community, Omuaran in Kwara state is also celebrate the new yam festival same way its being celebrated in Ogidi.
He said their own celebration will come up on the 28th of this month where the entire community will gathered to celebrate the event, pointed out that as one of the Oduduwa descendants.
According to him, he holds the community in high esteem hence as a title holder in his community, he may not have time to attend that of Ogidi but he is glad to attend the cultural festival that is unique in its entirety.
Meanwhile two lucky individuals won the two available motorcycles through a raffle draw which was part of the side attraction program. A nine year-old girl, Folasewa Evelyn Owonibi and Mr Segun became the winner of the two motorcycles at this year’s edition of Ogidi Day Festival
Segun and Folasewa took thousands of spectators by surprise after the Caretaker Chairman, Hon. Haruna Ibrahim and his wife, Hajia Hafsat Yomi Haruna picked the tickets simultaneously in the Raffle Draw competition organized as part of activities marking the Day.
The raffle draw is the climax of the Festival while others won a sewing machine, bags of Rice, clothing, vegetable oil just to mention a few.
The event also featured the presentation of New Yam to the Ologidi of Ogidi, HRM. Oba Rabiu Oladimeji Sule by the Yeye Oba of Ogidi, Her Royal Highness, Chief Nike Okundaye.
The Ologidi rendered prayers for fruitfulness in the Community, peace and progress of Ijumu and Kogi State at large.
There were also cultural displays by Ondo and Edo States Cultural Troupes, Yagba East Local Government Cultural Troupe, Olaga Dancers among others.
