The 2025 Somètutuza Health Walk, held on Saturday, September 20th, resonated with a powerful message of peace and unity within the Somè Traditional Area. This annual event, orchestrated by the Somè Traditional Council, served as a prelude to the 49th edition of the Somètutuza festival, emphasizing the importance of harmony and togetherness during the celebratory period. The walk, traversing from Agbozume to Nogokpo and back, drew a diverse crowd of nearly 1,000 participants, spanning various age groups and including prominent political figures and traditional leaders. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with songs promoting unity and punctuated by calls for peace from community leaders, setting a positive tone for the upcoming festival. The walk transcended its health-focused purpose, transforming into a powerful symbol of community solidarity and a shared commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The impressive turnout and the peaceful atmosphere of the health walk were met with considerable satisfaction by Mr. Daniel Jerry Sorokpo, the Publicity Chairman of the Central Planning Committee. He underscored the significance of promoting peace and unity in the lead-up to the Somètutuza festival, highlighting the walk as an ideal platform to achieve this objective. Mr. Sorokpo expressed his belief that the event successfully established a foundation for a harmonious and peaceful celebration of the Somè festival, reflecting the community’s shared desire for tranquility and unity. He stressed the walk’s symbolic role in demonstrating the community’s commitment to celebrating their cultural heritage in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.
Beyond its message of peace, the health walk also promoted physical well-being as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Mr. Sorokpo encouraged participants to incorporate regular exercise into their routines, particularly as the festival approached, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing their health during the festivities. This dual emphasis on physical health and community unity enriched the event, showcasing the interconnectedness of personal well-being and social harmony within the Somè Traditional Area. The walk effectively communicated the message that a healthy community is a united community, reinforcing the significance of individual well-being in contributing to the overall strength and vitality of the collective.
The culmination of the Somètutuza celebrations, the main durbar, is scheduled for Saturday, September 27th at the Somè National School Park in Agbozume. This grand event promises to be a vibrant showcase of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Somè people. It is anticipated to be a spectacular display of traditional music, dance, attire, and customs, offering a compelling glimpse into the heart and soul of the Somè community. The durbar represents a significant moment for the community to share its unique identity with the world, reinforcing its cultural pride and promoting understanding and appreciation of its traditions.
The health walk served as a powerful precursor to the durbar, solidifying the community’s commitment to unity and setting the stage for a harmonious and vibrant celebration. This preparatory event effectively laid the groundwork for a successful and memorable durbar, generating excitement and anticipation within the community and beyond. By prioritizing peace and unity in the days leading up to the main event, the health walk played a crucial role in ensuring a celebratory atmosphere characterized by mutual respect and shared joy.
In essence, the 2025 Somètutuza Health Walk transcended its function as a mere physical activity, transforming into a powerful symbol of unity, peace, and community spirit within the Somè Traditional Area. It underscored the community’s commitment to peaceful co-existence, setting the stage for a harmonious and memorable celebration of their rich cultural heritage during the upcoming Somètutuza festival. The walk served as a testament to the strength and vitality of the Somè community, demonstrating their shared values and their dedication to preserving and celebrating their unique cultural identity. The event’s success highlighted the power of community engagement in promoting peace, fostering unity, and encouraging healthy lifestyles, paving the way for a vibrant and meaningful celebration of the Somètutuza festival.
