The 39th Akoraye Day Celebration is set to commence with a week-long array of activities aimed at celebrating Modakeke’s cultural heritage, achievements, and developmental strides. Speaking at a world press conference held at the Ogunsua Palace, Dr. Adesoji Obayomi, Chairman of the Akoraye Day Celebration Organising Committee, highlighted the significance of the event as a unifying force for the Modakeke community, both at home and abroad.
Dr. Obayomi reflected on the origins of the celebration, which began in 1977 as a community-driven initiative to fund self-help development projects. Officially renamed “Modakeke Akoraye Day” in 1984, the event has since grown into a platform for fostering unity and driving progress. Despite past challenges, including political disruptions in 1980, Akoraye Day remains a source of pride and inspiration for the community.
The Chairman highlighted several notable projects funded by proceeds from past celebrations, including the construction of Modakeke High School, an ultramodern palace, a modern police station, a civic center, and the establishment of Ogunsua Radio 97.7FM. These achievements underscore Modakeke’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and community-driven development.
Speaking on this year’s program, Dr. Obayomi said, “At this point, I am delighted to unveil the carefully-curated program of activities designed to ensure this year’s celebration is both memorable and impactful:
Day 1: Sunday, December 8, 2024
° The festivities will commence by 10:00AM with a Church Thanksgiving Service at First Baptist Church, Oke-Amola, where we will give thanks to God for His guidance and blessings over the past year.
° By 1:00 PM: At the historic Ogunsua Palace, an esteemed donor, Omooba Yemi Olatunji will present sports trophies to the Modakeke Progressive Union (MPU) and other sports’ stakeholders, recognizing their efforts in promoting sports and youth development.
Day 2: Monday, December 9, 2024
The grand finale of the Academic Competition will take place at the Modakeke Civic Centre, celebrating the intellectual prowess of our students and fostering a spirit of academic excellence.
Day 3: Tuesday, December 10, 2024
The final matches of the Football Competition will be held at Modakeke Islamic Grammar School, celebrating teamwork, sportsmanship, and the vibrancy of our youth, which in turn will unite the community through the universal language of sports.
Day 4: Wednesday, December 11, 2024
By 7:00AM, we will go on a refreshing Walk to Live exercise to promote a healthier lifestyle, fitness, unity, and well-being.
A Trade Exhibition at Oba Adedoyin Market will showcase the entrepreneurial talents of our people and highlight opportunities for economic growth.
By 3:00 PM of the same day, the Gospel Musicians Association of Nigeria (GOMAN), Modakeke Branch, will host Hours of Praise, at the Ogunsua Palace, uplifting our spirits with soulful music.
Day 5: Thursday, December 12, 2024
A glamorous Dinner will be held, featuring the presentation of academic scholarships to deserving students and conferment of honours on illustrious sons and daughters of the soil who have made outstanding contributions to the community.
Day 6: Friday, December 13, 2024
– Between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, a Public Lecture will be held at Modakeke Town Hall, powered by Modakeke Development Partners. The topic, “Unity of Purpose as a Panacea to Building a Strong and Sustainable Community,” underscores the essence of our gathering – a call to solidarity, resilience, and collective action. The discussion to be led by the renowned Columnist and Editor with the Nigerian Tribune, Dr. Lasisi Olagunju, will provide actionable insights for driving progress and harmony in our community.
– By 1:00 PM, we will gather for a Special Jumat Service at Modakeke Central Mosque, Itamerin, to seek divine blessings for the success of the celebration and the continued prosperity of Modakeke.
Day 7: Saturday, December 14, 2024
The Grand Finale will take place at Modakeke Civic Centre, featuring the highly anticipated launch of the #1 Billion Development Fund. This initiative marks a significant step toward advancing Modakeke’s infrastructural and social development goals.”
Dr. Obayomi invited all residents, friends, and well-wishers to join in making the 39th Akoraye Day Celebration a resounding success. “Let us showcase the pride, unity, and resilience that define us as a community,” he said, emphasizing the need for collective efforts in building a brighter future for Modakeke.
The event promises to be a vibrant celebration of Modakeke’s heritage and a significant step toward achieving sustainable growth and development.
Present at the press conference were the National President and Assistant National Secretary of the Modakeke Progressive Union, Prof. Peter Olawuni and Dr. Wasiu Akinbode, respectively, as well as members of the Organizing Committee and dignitaries from the community.
