Monday, December 16, 2024, will remain unforgettable in the minds of about 300 children in Oka-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, as the Palace of Olubaka convened a funfair gathering for them, sponsored by Olori Adejumoke Adeleye.
The event, the first of its kind in the annals of Oka-Akoko and its environs, featured a dancing competition, games, and a raffle draw among children selected from various quarters of the community. Prizes included a cash award of N20,000, which was given to 10 children who participated in the Queen’s Lucky Dip raffle draw. Participants for the Queen’s Lucky Dip were selected from all quarters in Oka-Akoko.
All children in attendance were decorated with Christmas headbands and smiled home with packaged goody bags containing edibles and educational materials, including assorted meals. The funfair also featured a dancing competition where the best dancer was awarded a cash gift of N20,000, while other competitors received N5,000 each.
The two-in-one eventful day was tagged “Queen’s Carol/Children’s Funfair 2024”. A few hours after the children’s funfair, community leaders, clerics, men, women, and guests of Oka-Akoko converged at the same venue for a fascinating and memorable Christmas Carol.
In her welcome address, the Olori (Queen) of Olubaka, Adejumoke Adeleye, thanked her husband for his encouragement and support of her visions and activities since she assumed her role in the palace.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the programme, Olori Adejumoke attributed its conception to her childhood as an Ipe-Akoko girl who grew up in Ekiti State without experiencing end-of-the-year funfairs
She explained that she was divinely inspired two years ago to organize something special during the Christmas period but had been reluctant.
“When I was small, I didn’t have the opportunity to attend Father Christmas events or any funfair where I was born in Ado-Ekiti in the early ’70s.
“During festive seasons, we should make children feel a sense of belonging and know that we love them. This idea has been within me for the past two years, but I have been dodging it. However, this year, I could not dodge it,” she said.
Olori Adeleye further explained that her innate generosity and passion for giving, which she had exhibited for decades, did not allow her to rest until she decided to yield to the divine vision and organize this maiden edition of the programme.
She expressed elation at the outcome of her vision, noting that she had envisaged 250 children attending, but the number increased to about 300.
The Olubaka of Oka-Akoko, Oba (Dr.) Adebori Adeleye, OON, who read one of the nine carol lessons, urged moderation during the Christmas celebrations and encouraged residents to celebrate responsibly while upholding values that strengthen communal ties.
“I take this opportunity to urge moderation during this festive season. Let us celebrate responsibly and uphold the values that strengthen our community,” he stated.
The Olubaka called on residents to embrace peace and unity as essential ingredients for stability and progress in the community, emphasizing the importance of living harmoniously.
The traditional ruler appreciated the efforts of individuals and groups in fostering unity within the community, stating that peaceful coexistence is the foundation for achieving collective aspirations.
“Peace is the foundation of development and growth. It is only in a peaceful environment that businesses can thrive, children can learn, and our collective aspirations can be achieved,” he said.
The Olubaka also called for compassion and kindness, urging people to remember the less privileged during the festive celebrations. He stressed the need for inclusivity, encouraging residents to show love to one another. “As we celebrate this festive period, let us remember those in need and extend a helping hand to the less privileged,” he appealed.
The eventful day was described by many residents of the community as the first of its kind in Oka-Akoko and the entire Akokoland.
The day was unique, ceremonious, and colorful, depicting an atmosphere of love, unity, and peace. Children radiated joy in their gorgeous attires, while women beamed with happiness, danced, and uttered words of appreciation and prayers for Olori Adejumoke, saying, “We haven’t seen this before.”
In attendance were other traditional rulers from within and outside Oka-Akoko, including the Asin of Oka-Odo, the Olori of Oloba of Oba-Akoko, and the Olusi of Owalusi Oka-Akoko.
The nine carol lessons were read by the Olubaka, the Olori Olubaka, the Bobagunwa of Oka-Akoko, Chief Victor Ategbole; the Bere of Ibaka Akoko, High Chief Henry Olusoji Ayoko; representatives of the Adedayo Adeotu Foundation Chief Pius Ajobiewe, and the Arise Foundation Prof. F. Gbore; Mrs. E. O. Bada (Mama Akoko); Mrs. Victoria Adenike Akinsanya; and the Ven. F. A. Aiyenigbara.
The Lord Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt. Ven. J. O. B. Bada gave Christmas exhortation, the Oka CAN Chairman, Pastor E. A. O. Omololu led prayer session for Nigeria and Ondo State; while Prophetic declaration declaration for year 2025 was performed by the Archbishop African church Oka province, Archbishop Akinsanya.
Prayer sessions for Oka Council of Chiefs and religious leaders was led by the Rt. Rev’d B. A. Sogbesan who is the Bishop of African Church Ipe-Akoko Missionary Diocese, while prayer on collection was led by The Ven. D. S. Arohunmolase and vote of thanks by The Ven. J. O. Idowu(JP).
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