Since his emergence as the Sekumade of lpakodo Kingdom few year ago, Oba Bashir Sotonwa has left no stone unturned in ensuring that the ancient town regain its vibrancy and attain tangible development after 19 years of inactivity occasioned by the vacuum in the Sekumade stool.
Recently, the revered monarch led his chiefs and other notable personalities in the Kingdom on a marathon visitations to all the communities under lpakodo Kingdom, during which he assured residents that his reign would engender development in all parts of the Kingdom.
However, as a way of creating a platform where indigenes and residents would come together and further contribute towards the social and economic posterity of lpakodo, Oba Sotonwa has given his royal approval for the organisation of the maiden edition of the Ipakodo Day celebration, for the first time in the history of the town.
On Thursday, September 8, 2022, a press conference was held at the Sekumade palace, by the lpakodo Development Association (IDA), the organisers of the event,to formally announce the one-week long celebration.
In attendance at the press conference were Oba Sotonwa, his Chiefs, Baales, and representatives of IDA and the youths of the town.
At the event, the logo, Ankara Aso Ebi and activities lined up for the celebration were unveiled.
Meanwhile, addressing the media men and women at the event, the Chairman of lpakodo Development Association, Prince Olasunkanmi Sotonwa, Chairman, said that history is about to be made in lpakodo Kingdom with the approval by Oba Sotonwa, for the organisation of the first ever lpakodo Day.
“The Sekumade of Ipakodo has signalled the beginning of a new era with his authorisation for the Ipakodo Day celebrations for the very first time in history”.
Despite being the maiden edition, Prince Sotonwa assured that his committee would leave no stone unturned in organising a successful event that all Ipakodo indigenes and residents at home and in the diaspora, would be proud of.
“The maiden outing has been carefully planned to feature a mixture of socio-cultural events and activities to give everyone a sense of belonging and enhancing the effective participation of all and sundry”.
While stating that the celebration would be an annual event that would be used to promote the economic and social growth of lpakodo town, the IDA Chairman sought for the support of the media for publicity for all the programmes of the celebration while he equally sought financial support from corporate organisations, industries, small and medium-scale enterprises in Ipakodo Kingdom, towards a successful outing.
“We count on everyone’s support through kind, cash and sponsorship of any of our programmes as our platform provides a veritable opportunity to showcase goods and services to residents and visitors alike”, Prince Sotonwa said.
In his brief remarks, Oba Sotonwa explained that the sincerity towards hosting a successful maiden Ipakodo Day has been illustrated in unveiling the event logo, Ankara and the line-up of activities to fulfil the festival.
Stating that Rome was not built in a day, the eminent leader added that organisers would try their best to organise a great celebration, but that any shortcoming would be improved in subsequent editions, for quality celebration.
The programme of activities for the lpakodo Day, as announced by the organisers, include: Woro Procession through major streets and Sekumade palace and Cultural Activities on Monday, October 3, 2022, Free Medical Tests and Treatments at the Sekumade palace on Tuesday, October 4,2022, Ipakodo Citizens and Community Day at the Sekumade palace on Thursday, October 6, 2022, Youths Day and Mr & Mrs Ipakodo Day and Musical Carnival on Friday, October 7,2022, while the celebration would be brought to a close with a Grand Finale Reception and Award Presentations at the Ferry Terminal, Ebute, on Saturday, October 8,2022.
In addition, all programmes are to commence by 9am.
Others in attendance at the press conference were Chief Samuel Ogunlade, Chief Olu Taiwo, Chief Oloruntade Fatola Baale Ogolonto, Chief Adio Jaiyesimi, Baale Oriokuta, Chief Mushafau Idowu, Fadeyi Toheeb Ipakodo youth leader, Sheriff Sanla, Victor Cyril, Aminat Shodipe and Olamilekan Kosoko.