By Stephen Adeleye
The Commissioner for Information and Communications in Kogi, Mr Kingsley Femi Fanwo, has called on Nigerians, particularly indigenes of Takete Ide Amuro in Mopamuro Local Government Area, to join the community in celebrating its centenary.
Fanwo, who is the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the centenary celebration, said the 100-year anniversary reflects the community’s rich history, cultural heritage and aspirations for development.
He said the celebration would provide an opportunity to honour the community’s past, celebrate its cultural identity and mobilise support for its future development.
According to him, the week-long programme will feature youth sensitisation, cultural displays, health education and fundraising for community development projects.
Fanwo said a major highlight of the celebration would be the unveiling of a book documenting the 100-year history of Takete Ide, aimed at preserving its heritage and passing its traditions and values to future generations.
He added that the event would also feature an Award Night to honour illustrius sons and daughters who have contributed significantly to the development of the community, while posthumous awards would be presented to deserving heroes of the past.
The commissioner said a Praise Night would form part of the celebration, to thank God for His protection and guidance over the community in the last 100 years.
Fanwo disclosed that the celebration would be held under the chairmanship of the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Prof. Abdulsalam Nasir Naeem, with the Olude of Takete Ide, His Royal Highness, Oba Philip Ebilakun, as the royal host.
He expressed optimism that the occasion would attract indigenes at home and in the diaspora, friends of the community, tourists and well-wishers from within and outside Kogi.
Fanwo urged sons and daughters of Takete Ide to seize the occasion to strengthen communal bonds, celebrate their shared identity and contribute to initiatives that would advance the community’s development.
He called on corporate organisations, public office holders, development partners and well-meaning Nigerians to identify with the historic celebration and support the community’s development aspirations, expressing confidence that the centenary would inspire renewed pride, unity and collective responsibility.
