Wale Jagun
Activities for the 2023 Imota Ayayo Day celebration, which is the 37th edition, has been unveiled by the planning committee of the annual celebrations.
The Imota Ayayo Development Association (IADA), unveiled the programmes which will hold between Thursday, November 16th and Saturday, November 18th, 2023.
At the stakeholders’ meeting held at the Imota Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Secretariat, the organizing committee presented its agenda and how it intends to execute them, to representatives of various affiliated clubs, associations and unions.
This year’s celebration is aimed at stimulating unity, community development and cultural heritage of the Imota Kingdom.
Dr Awolaja Adekunle Gbenga, Chairman, Imota –Ayayo Development Association, while welcoming stakeholders to the meeting, stated that the event is set to be a memorable one.
He stated that the annual celebration is dear to the people of lmota, and also added that the period offers residents the opportunity to celebrate and reunite with families and friends.
“Imota Ayayo Day is a celebration after our hearts in Imota, because it affords us the opportunity to assess ourselves, review our actions, celebrate our successes, re-invigorate our culture and re-unite with families and friends from far and near”, he said.
The interactive session provided the Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Hon. (Prince) Wasiu Kunle Agoro, and his esteemed guests, an opportunity to engaged in fruitful discussions towards a successful hosting of the 37th Imota Ayayo Day celebration.
He appreciated members of the committee for their services to the community in the past, and also charged them to renew their commitment for better achievement this year.
Prince Agoro explained that plans are still in place to actualise the completion of the community hall, adding that the next year’s Ayayo Day celebration (2024) would be held at the town hall.
He charged the planning committee on the need to make good use of publicity, especially on the social media.
“Social media, if used intelligently – can bring in loads of success. It is being used in ways that shape politics, business, world culture, education, careers, innovation, and more. If well deployed, we can use it in bringing about positioned development in Imota”, he said.
“Everyone has a role to play in helping to change the negative perception people have about Imota,”, Agoro added.
“When you’re reporting, posting online or discussing, please, report the good things about Imota. The essence of coming together to promote our heritage is to showcase all the things Imota is blessed with. If you are an indigene in the diaspora, you will feel happy when you read good stories about your hometown. We solicit your support in this regard to promote Imota positively”, he concluded.
Unveiling the programmes at the meeting, Chairman, Imota Ayayo Day Planning Committee, Dr Okedeyi Abiodun Sakiru, gave details that the 3 – day event will feature more programmes and activities this year. Among these are: Youth Empowerment Day, Christian Thanksgiving Service, Jumat Service, Public Service Day, Presentation of Awards of Excellence, Grand Finale and so on.
“As usual, there will be a Jumat service on Friday, 17th November 2023, to pray for God’s blessings throughout the event, and there will also be a thanksgiving service in the Church on Sunday, 19th, November”, Dr Okedeyi said.
He added that the venue and other programmes of the event for this year’s celebration would be announced at the appropriate time, and urged all bases, clubs, associations, youth and student groups in Imota, to join hands with the planning committee to make this year’s Ayayo Day celebration a resounding success.
Okedeyi assured stakeholders and residents of an improved security arrangement throughout the celebration.
He further asked members of the public to assist the planning committe, with meaningful contributions and constructive criticisms before the next stakeholders’ meeting.
Other dignitaries present at the stakeholders’ meeting include: Vice Chairman of Imota LCDA, Hon Sunday Benson, Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Ahmed Fagbesan, representatives of the Christian Association Of Nigeria, Chief Imam of Imota who led the Muslim Community, Dr Metilelu Olumide Olushola, Chief Gbenga Dosumu ( Eweso) among others.
