Plans are in top gear for the 2022 Okeho Day celebration, which runs from 20th to 26th November.
Okeho, the headquarters of Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State, is a valley-town agrarian community surrounded by seven hills which include Eti-Igun, Oke-Olofin, Akasube, Biayin, Okofori, Meseole and Obaapa.
In his statement, the Onjo of Okeho, Oba (Dr) Rafiu Osuolale Mustapha, Adeiitan II said: “We are set for the homecoming of our sons and daughters from all across the world to mark another historic event in our hometown with pomp and pageantry. It is always a joyous occasion where we celebrate our achievers, motivate our youngsters and also showcase the beauty of our community to the world.
“With myriads of self-developmental efforts of the town, we are delighted to say that our community has continued to experience tremendous growth from the confederation of 11 independent communities”.
According to the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, High Prince Leye Babalola, this year’s Okeho Day is another call to continually build the hometown.
As a community that has thrived on the generous spirit of its sons and daughters spread across the world, Dr Babalola said that “we are converging again for a weeklong celebration to fraternise with one another. The main project to be commissioned during the celebration is Solar Street Lightening for the Okeho community.”
The chairman of Egbe Omo Ibile, Alhaji Azeez Lakanla called on the sons and daughters of Okeho at home and abroad to contribute immensely towards the success of the programme and the development of their source.
While reeling out the programmes of activities for the weeklong celebration, the Secretary of the Central Planning Committee, Pastor Tim Amosun said that there would be an interdenominational church thanksgiving service; an interschool quiz competition at Onjo Secondary High School, Okeho; a community-wide Clean-up Day; and a political summit.
Other activities are an Economic Summit; Gbagede Oba where all the quarters and community societies pay homage to the traditional ruler; a Jumaat prayer; and a novelty football match.
The grand finale on Saturday, 26th November promises to be a celebration of culture, fashion, glamour, candour, beauty, and royalty as sons and daughters of Okeho will converge in large numbers.
Expected at the event are people from traditional rulers, political, corporate and social Nigeria, and others from all walks of life to experience the unique lifestyle of Okeho.
The town was recently granted approval by the National Open University of Nigeria to start academic activities at the Okeho Study Centre.
