By Our Reporter
Monday, 16 December 2024, was a day to remember for about 300 children in Oka-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, as the Palace of Olubaka hosted an unforgettable funfair sponsored by Olori Adejumoke Adeleye.
This landmark event, the first of its kind in the history of Oka-Akoko, featured a dancing competition, games, and a raffle draw, with children selected from across the community taking part.
The Queen’s Lucky Dip raffle awarded cash prizes of N20,000 to 10 lucky winners, while other attendees left with goody bags filled with edibles and educational materials.
The funfair’s highlight was the dancing competition, where the best dancer received a cash prize of N20,000, and other participants were rewarded with N5,000 each.
Adorned with Christmas headbands, the children radiated joy as they participated in the activities and took home assorted meals and gifts.
Later in the day, the same venue hosted the “Queen’s Carol/Children’s Funfair 2024,” bringing together community leaders, clerics, men, women, and guests for a heartwarming Christmas Carol.
Olori Adejumoke Adeleye, in her welcome address, expressed gratitude to her husband, Oba (Dr.) Adebori Adeleye, OON, for his unwavering support in realising her vision.
She shared how her childhood in Ekiti State inspired the programme, as she had missed out on end-of-year festivities.
She revealed that divine inspiration had motivated her to create this event, which surpassed her expectations with a turnout of 300 children.
The Olubaka, who read one of the nine carol lessons, urged moderation during the Christmas celebrations, emphasising the importance of peace, unity, and compassion.
He called on residents to celebrate responsibly and remember the less privileged, stressing that peace and inclusivity are the bedrock of community development.
“Let us celebrate responsibly and extend a helping hand to those in need,” he implored.
The event drew praise from attendees, who described it as a unique and groundbreaking occasion for Oka-Akoko and the wider Akoko region.
Women danced and offered prayers for Olori Adejumoke, expressing their delight at the festive atmosphere, which symbolised love, unity, and communal harmony.
Traditional rulers from Oka-Akoko and beyond graced the event, including the Asin of Oka-Odo and the Olusi of Owalusi Oka-Akoko.
Nine carol lessons were read by notable figures, including the Olubaka, Olori Adeleye, and community leaders such as Chief Victor Ategbole and High Chief Henry Olusoji Ayoko. Clergymen, including the Rt. Ven. J. O. B. Bada, offered Christmas exhortations, prayers for Nigeria and Ondo State, and prophetic declarations for 2025.
The day concluded with a vote of thanks by The Ven. J. O. Idowu, capping off a historic celebration that united the Oka-Akoko community in joy and gratitude.
