By Adeboye Ado, Akure
This past weekend, indigenes and residents of the varsity town of Akungba Akoko in Ondo State, celebrated amidst pomp and pageantry their ancestral cultural New Yam Feast titled Akun Day Festival 2023; where the monarch, HRM Oba Isaac Sunday Adeyeye, Ajimo III, the Alale of Akungba Kingdom, appealed for peace, unity and comprehensive development in his community.
The opportunity of the heritage occasion was also seized to rejoice with some illustrious sons of the soil, particularly those who won political seats into both National and State Assemblies.
The grand event held Saturday, July 29, also featured Bursary award to a number of undergraduates from low income homes in all the seven quarters that formed Akungba Akoko.
The week-long annual festival also paraded colorful dance troupes, sporting events, multi-faith prayer sessions and free medical outreach.
Historicaly, the traditional festival held at the City Hall, is a nexus for unifying all sons and daughters of the fast urbanizing community, home and abroad.
Notable political personalities eulogized at ADF 2023 are: Otunba Adegboyega Adefarati, a Honourable Member representing Akoko Southwest/South East Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, and Hon. Tope Agbulu, a Lawmaker in the Ondo State House of Assembly. “May your era favour our town” the audience roared, as the decorated men received public applause.
Speaking yesterday, the Alale of Akungba, Oba Isaac Sunday Adeyeye, Ajimo III, expressed gratitude to God and the people, for the support from residents and their immense contributions to the development of the community.
The first class royal noted that, desipte the harsh economic situation in the country, his subjects still contributed hugely towards socio-cultural development.
Adding that their firm support was a testament to the fact that Akungba’s unity is not negotiable. “Together, we shall make progress” he affirmed.
He further stated in his written speech that:
“We should, as a matter of appreciation and deserved satisfaction, celebrate our participation in this year’s event; especially so in the face of biting national and international socio-economic woes. May we continue to have the ability and capacity to nurture our cherished heritage and culture.”
“It’s my fervent prayers that Akungba sons and daughters, plus residents of the varsity community, shall never lack despite the hard times facing us all.”
“May I also seize this opportunity to remind us of the essence of AKUN DAY FESTIVAL. It is an auspicious season to fertilize the soil of unity and community development. Let’s therefore strive hard in pursuance of elements that unite us together, than the fault-lines of discord and division. Unity makes a bunch of brooms unbreakable.”
“At this juncture, let me on behalf of the Council of Chiefs, Ihares and the populace, salute our collective determination and dedication to uplifting the status of Akungba Kingdom, come rain or shine.”
Oba Adeyeye added that “since humanity could survive the perilous Covid-19 era, we shall also prevail over current pervading precarious situation in our nation.”
“Love is free. Let’s share it amongst ourselves. Let’s also love our town and our country. Home is a man’s sanctuary. Let’s make peace, and keep Akungbland on the track to massive progress.”
“Further permit me to appreciate the roles played by the organizers of this event led by High Chief Olubaka, Surveyor Ilyassu Lawal; the Cultural Troupes, sports team, decorators and all concerned. Most all, let’s applaud the moral and financial support from the constituent quarters in Akungba Akoko.”
“Also help me pray for many of our illustrious sons and daughters, some anonymous, who have ensured that today’s event is successfully memorable.”
“Special thanks to Elder Sunday Olotu and Chief Sobaloju Olubunmi Adeola, both in USA, who for the second year running have sponsored Bursary Award for 14 undergraduates from low income homes in the Kingdom.”
“We also celebrate our sons, Hon. Gboyega Adefarati of the House of Representatives and Hon. Tope Agbulu of Ondo State House of Assembly. May their era herald good news of development for Akungba town and environs.”
“Meanwhile, I wish to specially acknowledge the immense contributions of Akinrogun Alaba Yusuf; and the cooperation of the management and staff of Adekunle Ajasin University, AAUA.” READ ALSO:
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On his part, Gboyega Adefarati thanked the people for throwing their weight behind him, while urging the residents to be law abiding and continue to support the good policies of the government.
Adefarati, also extolled the visionary leadership of the monarch and pledged to better the lives of his constituents.
Similarly, Hon. Agbulu Tope promised to use his legislative powers to drive development into the community.
Oba Adeyeye, however, urged the 14 beneficiaries of the bursary award who are from low income homes to be studious so as to join the sponsors in reducing number of drop out in the country.
“You’re Akungba youth ambassadors. Please work hard and become successful in your chosen careers, in order to plough back to the community that raised you.”
