Members of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) in Ikorodu are warming up to make great impact in this year’s Ikorodu-Oga Day Festival.The 32nd edition of Ikorodu-Oga Day Festival will hold from November 11 to 18.
Oga, a hunter/warrior, is believed to be the founder of Ikorodu, one of the major cities in Lagos State. The chairman, UPU, Ikorodu, Chief Christopher Obriki, directed all the members to be fully involved in activities marking this year’s Ikorodu-Oga Day Festival.
“As you are aware, the Urhobo in Ikorodu are always involved in the activities marking the Ikorodu-Oga Day Festival. The organisers of the 2023 edition have written to us, and we must play an active role. Last year, we were at the oba’s palace, and we were well received. We have cordial relationship with the Yoruba and other ethnic groups in Ikorodu, and we have to make our impact felt in this year’s festival,” Obriki stated.
According to a letter signed by Rotimi Erogbogbo (Chairman) and Alhaji Lateef Adeyeri (Chairman, Planning Committee) addressed to UPU, Ikorodu, there will be a pre-event Walk4fitness on October 28 to usher in the yearly festival and help citizens keep fit.
“The theme for this year’s walk is ‘Persevere.’ We have chosen this theme to encourage our people to keep hope alive and maintain a positive mental attitude in the context of the present situation of the country,” the letter reads.
Apart from the physical exercise, there is also IKODASS Awards, where deserving non-indigenes will be honoured. The letter directed UPU to search among their members for a qualified man or woman and present their names to the IKODASS awards committee with his or her credentials.
“Such individuals must have been resident in Ikorodu for a long time with verifiable investment in the city. Additionally, he or she must have no criminal record. The final winner shall be chosen from the pool submitted by all non- indigenous groups,” it said.
According to the organisers, a royal banquet will also hold this year in response to the feedback from clubs.
“This year, presidents/chairpersons of and groups shall have time to address the banquets on their club/ group activities.
“For the grand finale this year, the intention is for all club presidents/ chairpersons to join Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, Adegorusen V, in the royal march from the palace to the town hall to enjoy the closing conviviality of the festival on the evening of the final day,” the letter stated.
