Igbotako, — Samuel Olaniyan

Preparations are in top gear for the much-anticipated 2024 Utako Day Celebrations, set to begin on Sunday, December 22, 2024. The event, organized by the Planning and Implementation Committee, promises a week-long lineup of exciting activities designed to highlight the rich cultural heritage and unity of the Igbotako community.

The festivities will commence with a Praise Worship Session at the Methodist Church, Igbotako, starting at 10:00 a.m. on December 22. This spiritual gathering is aimed at expressing gratitude to God for His faithfulness and mercies over the past year. On Tuesday, December 24, traditional games like Ise and Ayo competitions will be held at the Royal Palace of the Rebuja of Osooro at 4:00 p.m. The day will also feature a courtesy visit to the Rebuja by members of the planning committee, fostering closer ties between the leadership and the people.

Christmas Day, December 25, will be action-packed, beginning with an Environmental Sanitation Exercise to ensure clean roads leading into Igbotako. This will be followed by a football match at 4:00 p.m. between teams from ICGS and Lubokun Comprehensive High School. Later in the evening, all roads will lead to the Cameron Hotel for the highly anticipated Gala Night, starting at 8:00 p.m. The event will feature various performances and the keenly contested Olugbu Contest, hosted by a distinguished lineup of anchors, including Chief Wole Adeteye, Prince Ladi Temenu, Mr. Chris Mononukun, Mrs. Akinyemi, and Mrs. Ope Owadara.

The celebrations will reach their climax on Thursday, December 26, 2024, with the D-Day activities at St. Pius Catholic Primary School Field. Events will run from 8:00 a.m. until the evening, providing a platform for community members to connect and celebrate their heritage.

The planning committee has called on all indigenes and well-wishers to participate actively in these activities to ensure the success of the event. They emphasized that Utako Day is more than a celebration—it is a time to strengthen bonds, promote unity, and showcase the cultural pride of Igbotako.

As the countdown begins, the people of Igbotako eagerly anticipate this year’s Utako Day, which promises to be a memorable event for all participants. Aseyi Samodun o!