The Ondo Development Committee (ODC) has lauded the impending dualization of the Akure-Ondo-Ore Road, emphasizing its transformative potential for the social and economic landscape of the Ondo Kingdom. This vital infrastructure project, long championed by the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, is poised to significantly boost commercial activities, improve transportation networks, and stimulate overall development within the kingdom. The ODC, established in 1986 under the authority of the Osemawe, has consistently focused on promoting cultural preservation, fostering unity among the populace, and attracting development initiatives to the city and its surrounding areas. The dualization of the Akure-Ondo-Ore Road represents a significant victory in the ODC’s ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare and prosperity of the Ondo Kingdom.
The ODC highlighted the instrumental role played by the Osemawe in realizing this critical infrastructural development. Oba Kiladejo’s decade-long advocacy, beginning during his tenure as Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, underscores his unwavering commitment to the progress of the Ondo Kingdom. His relentless engagement with relevant authorities ultimately paved the way for the project’s approval and commencement, fulfilling a long-held vision for improved connectivity and economic growth within the region. The ODC’s recognition of the Osemawe’s efforts underscores the vital partnership between traditional leadership and community development in driving positive change and achieving significant milestones.
The 2024 Ekimogun Day celebration, an annual event organized by the ODC, served as a platform to showcase the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, acknowledge the contributions of distinguished individuals, and celebrate the anticipated positive impact of the road dualization project. Beyond its cultural significance, the Ekimogun Day celebrations have consistently functioned as a catalyst for physical development and community welfare initiatives. The ODC’s strategic utilization of this platform to promote development and recognize impactful contributions reinforces its commitment to the holistic advancement of the Ondo Kingdom.
The 2024 Ekimogun Day festivities incorporated a diverse array of activities designed to engage and benefit various segments of the community. An ICT quiz and debate competition targeting primary and secondary schools within Ondo East and West local government areas promoted digital literacy among the younger generation, with winning students receiving computers as prizes. This focus on educational advancement reflects the ODC’s understanding of the crucial role technology plays in shaping future opportunities and empowering youth with essential skills.
Furthermore, the celebrations included cultural dance competitions showcasing the vibrant traditions of the Ondo Kingdom, a medical outreach program providing free healthcare services to over 1,500 residents, and the distribution of palliatives including food items and clothing to vulnerable members of the community. The medical outreach, which provided free medicated glasses to 225 individuals, addressed a critical healthcare need within the community, demonstrating the ODC’s commitment to improving the overall well-being of its people. The distribution of palliatives further reinforced the ODC’s focus on social welfare and its dedication to supporting those in need.
The comprehensive nature of the 2024 Ekimogun Day celebrations, encompassing cultural preservation, educational advancement, healthcare provision, and social welfare initiatives, highlights the ODC’s multifaceted approach to community development. The blending of socio-cultural heritage with the recognition of individuals who have contributed significantly to the kingdom’s development underscores the ODC’s commitment to holistic progress, recognizing the interconnectedness of cultural identity, individual achievement, and community well-being. The dualization of the Akure-Ondo-Ore Road, celebrated as a major milestone during the festivities, is expected to further amplify the impact of the ODC’s efforts, ushering in an era of enhanced prosperity and opportunity for the Ondo Kingdom.
