September 10, (THEWILL) – The events marking the 80th birthday of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, kicked off on Friday, September 8, 2023. Although he was born on September 14, activities to mark his birthday would take place in a space of one week in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The event started with an investiture of chieftaincy titles to eminent and worthy sons and daughters of Egbaland in recognition of their contributions to the development of their community and Nigeria as a whole. The ceremony continued on Saturday, September 9 which was devoted to sporting activities.
The monarch’s interest in sports development, especially among the youth, cannot be overemphasised. It is the reason a road marathon took place in Abeokuta, between 8am to 1pm. Traditional homages to the Alake and paramount ruler by indigenes, communities, cultural groups, societies and clubs also took place on the same day. Medical outreach will take place on Monday, September 11 at the palace where health screening and free drugs is expected to be administered to about 2000 people. Medical personnel from the Federal Medical Center and other health institutions in the state would be on ground to attend to as many as possible.
The medical outreach will continue on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at the palace of the traditional ruler. Eye screening and treatment will be taking place on Wednesday, September 13th, at the Centenary Hall, opposite Ake Palace. Eye surgeries will be arranged for those who need it at a later date.
An interdenominational thanksgiving service will take place on Thursday, September 14th at Cathedral Church of St Peters, Make, Abeokuta while prayer would be offered by Muslims faithful too. The week-long festivity will end on Friday 15th September 2023 with the laying of foundation of the new Abeokuta City Hall by the traditional ruler.
The project will be done in anticipation of the 200 years anniversary of Abeokuta which will take place in 2030. Another investiture of chieftaincy title will also take place on the last day of the festivity. The traditional ruler would also pay a visit to the Daniel Akintonde School of the physically challenged, Stella Obasanjo Orphanage Home, The Lepers’ Colony, and Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta, where money and other gift items would be distributed.
About the Author
