Get Guardian on GoogleThe 59th Oluponna Day celebration brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, indigenes and other guests to celebrate the town’s cultural heritage and discuss its development aspirations.
Among the dignitaries present were the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul Rasheed Adewale Akanbi alongside other traditional rulers, political leaders whose presence added colour to the gathering.
Representing the Osun State governor at the celebration, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Eniola Odeniyi, also attended the event.
Held at DC School, Oluponna, Osun State, the celebration provided an opportunity for sons and daughters of the community, both at home and in the Diaspora, to reconnect with their roots and renew their commitment to the town’s progress.
Beyond the cultural activities and social gatherings, the event also provided a platform for discussions on education, infrastructure and community development, with the Oluponna Development Association (ODA) Worldwide calling for support towards a N2b fundraising drive for development projects.
Speaking at the grand finale, the National President of ODA Worldwide, Kayode Oketunde, appealed to indigenes and well-meaning individuals to support the renovation of Oluponna Community High School, whose facilities have deteriorated considerably.
He said the association had made education a priority in its development agenda, explaining that the proposed renovation was part of efforts to improve the learning environment and provide pupils with better conditions to pursue their education.
Oketunde stressed that the responsibility of improving the school should not be left to the association alone, urging individuals, groups and sons and daughters of the community to contribute towards the project.
“I sincerely appreciate all individuals, groups, and well-meaning sons and daughters of Oluponna who have made generous donations towards this worthy project. Your patriotism and commitment are commendable. I encourage others to join this effort because investing in education is investing in the future of our children and our community,” he said.
He explained that the association was also working to strengthen community participation in its development initiatives through the establishment of committees and regular town hall meetings.
According to him, the meetings provide residents with opportunities to express their concerns, make suggestions and participate in decisions concerning the town.
He noted that involving residents in the development process would help the association understand their needs and ensure that its activities reflected the aspirations of the people.
Oketunde also emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability and inclusive leadership, saying sustainable development required the cooperation of traditional rulers, elders, community leaders and residents.
He urged stakeholders to maintain peace and unity, adding that disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding rather than allowed to affect the progress of the community.
The ODA president also paid tribute to the association’s founding fathers, who established the organisation in 1967, describing their foresight and commitment as the foundation upon which organised community development in Oluponna was built.
He particularly acknowledged his late father, Chief Samuel Olatunde Odetunde, one of the founding fathers, whose service as chairman of the Elders Council, he said, influenced his understanding of leadership and community service.
Oketunde urged indigenes living outside the town to contribute their professional experience, expertise, networks and resources towards its development.
He also encouraged younger residents to embrace education, discipline and community service, while calling on all sons and daughters of Oluponna to support initiatives that would strengthen the town’s institutions, preserve its cultural heritage and create economic opportunities.
The chairman of the occasion, Festus Adeyemo, highlighted other areas requiring attention in the town, including electricity, road infrastructure and education.
He identified the deployment of solar power and road rehabilitation among the development priorities, while also highlighting plans to construct additional schools.
Adeyemo said more schools would be built before the end of the current administration, underscoring the need to expand educational infrastructure to meet the needs of the community.
The development discussions formed part of the activities marking the six-day celebration, which began on Tuesday, October 13, and ended on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
The programme opened with an inter-religious special prayer session on Tuesday, followed by a health programme on Wednesday, offering residents an opportunity to participate in activities promoting their well-being.
Thursday’s activities featured a fitness walk tagged Walk to Live and a sanitation exercise, Operation Clean Oluponna, aimed at encouraging residents to take responsibility for their environment. The day also featured the final of the artisans’ football tournament.
On Friday, the community held a Jumat service at the Central Mosque, Oluponna, followed by a gala night and the selection of Miss Oluponna 2026.
The grand finale took place on Saturday, October 17, with the N2 billion fundraising drive for development projects, followed by entertainment and a reception for guests. The celebration ended on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at First Baptist Church, Ori Apata, Oluponna.
