The 2024 Odide Day Cultural Ceremony, hosted by the Ilajo Royal Family of Kabba, served as a platform for celebrating cultural heritage, fostering unity, and imparting valuable wisdom to the younger generation. Professor Adetokunbo Rafel Adebola, a distinguished academic from Bayero University Kano, delivered a pertinent message to the youth, urging them to prioritize self-reliance through strategic course selection. He cautioned against pursuing obsolete and unmarketable courses, emphasizing the importance of embracing modern technology and digital education in the face of evolving job market demands, particularly the rise of Artificial Intelligence. Professor Adebola’s address underscored the need for innovative thinking, productivity, and a rejection of detrimental behaviors like greed and criminal activities. He emphasized that choices made in youth have lasting consequences, shaping one’s future trajectory.
The Odide Day celebration, an annual tradition, exemplified the Ilajo Royal Family’s commitment to preserving their rich cultural heritage and fostering a sense of community. Dr. Samuel Alori, President General of the Ilajo Descendants Union, highlighted the significance of the event, themed “Odun ife ati irepo” (celebration of love and unity), in bringing together family members and promoting harmony. The festivities commenced with a free medical outreach, reflecting the family’s commitment to community well-being. Traditional cultural dances and uplifting worship songs added vibrancy and spiritual depth to the occasion. Pastor Shae Bebeyi led a series of prayers for the royal family and the wider Kabba community, reinforcing the event’s spiritual dimension.
Elder James Oluwole Adebola, Chairman of the Planning Committee, elaborated on the historical significance of Odide Day, explaining that it commemorates the accomplishments of Obaro Odide, the progenitor of the Ilajo Royal Family. This celebration serves as a vital reminder of the family’s lineage and their contribution to the rich cultural tapestry of Kabba. The event culminated in the presentation of awards to eleven prominent individuals who have significantly contributed to the development of the Owe community. This recognition acknowledged their dedication and impact on the community’s progress.
Among the awardees were Engineer Emmanuel Ajibero, President of Kabba Development Union; AIG Idowu Owohunwa, Head of INTERPOL in Nigeria; and Vice Admiral Joseph Ajayi (rtd), former Defence Chief of Intelligence. Pa Adebiyi, a non-indigene, received special recognition for his unwavering love and commitment to Owe land, demonstrating the community’s inclusivity and appreciation for those who contribute to its betterment. The accolades extended to accomplished individuals across various fields, including the entrepreneur and philanthropist Gabriel Adetuuntun Bonidefaye Owope, renowned banker Adeyemo Banji Jimoh, and accomplished engineer and pastor Olusegun Toluhi.
The Ilajo Royal Family also honored the memories of past leaders and influential figures with posthumous awards, recognizing the contributions of individuals like the late Oba Michael Folorunsho Olobayo, a former Obaro of Kabba, alongside John I Olorunleke, Chief Mrs. Margaret Audu, and Chief Samuel Adekunle. The event also prioritized education, awarding scholarships to twenty Ilajo students pursuing tertiary education. Ten scholarships recognized outstanding academic achievement, while the remaining ten provided financial support to students in need, highlighting the family’s dedication to empowering the next generation through education.
The three-day celebration concluded with a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral Church of St. Andrews Kabba, adding a spiritual dimension to the festivities. Bishop Akobe commended the Ilajo Royal Family for their peace-loving nature and unwavering commitment to the development and unity of Kabba, encouraging them to maintain their positive influence. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing God in all endeavors and offered prayers for the continued peace, progress, and development of the Ilajo Royal Family and the entire Kabba community. This act of thanksgiving underscored the family’s gratitude and their recognition of the spiritual foundation underpinning their communal values.
The 2024 Odide Day Cultural Ceremony effectively blended cultural celebration, community development, and intergenerational wisdom sharing. Professor Adebola’s advice to the youth highlighted the importance of adaptability and forward-thinking in navigating a changing world. The recognition of outstanding community members and the provision of educational scholarships demonstrated the Ilajo Royal Family’s commitment to both acknowledging past contributions and investing in the future. The event’s concluding thanksgiving service underscored the spiritual underpinnings of the family’s values and their aspiration for continued peace and progress within their community.
