Remo Day 2024: RemoGDF, Planning Committee Unveils Exciting Programme for Grand Celebration 

By: OGUNLEYE OLUWAPELUMI

In preparation for the Remo Day 2024, which is scheduled to hold from December 20-27, the Remo Growth and Development Foundation, held a press briefing today, Wednesday, 16th of October, at the conference hall, Akarigbo Palace, Sagamu.

The press briefing, targeted at informing the public about the plans for events scheduled to make Remo Day 2024 a success, and one that will not be forgotten in a while, had in attendance dignitaries in Remo land and Ogun State as a whole.

Dignitaries in attendance included Representing the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Adewale Osiberu (Elepe of Epe); Otunba Seni Adetu, Chairman, Remo Growth and Development Foundation; Prince Wole Sowole, 1st Vice Chairman, RemoGDF, and Chairman, Planning Committee, Remo Day 2024; Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, SA to the Ogun State Governor on Education and also RemoGDF Head of Directorate for Education and Youth Empowerment.

Other dignitaries are; Mr. Olamide Onimole, Financial Secretary, RemoGDF Governing Council; Aare Wemi Osude; Omooba Abiola Ogundeko, RemoGDF Media and Publicity Adviser, Engr. Olootu Oye Oduguwa. Royal fathers in attendance also included the Onilaye of Ilaye, Legunshe of Ilupeju, Alakenne of Ikenne, among many other dignitaries.

The Chairman of the Remo Day Planning Committee, Prince Wole Sowole, in his opening speech, gave a little history of how the Remo Day celebration came into being.

“Remo Growth and Development Foundation (RemoGDF) has been assigned the task to organize a befitting celebration for Remo sons and daughters, home and abroad, by His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, CFR, Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland.

“To enable Remonians in the Diaspora to participate, the program has been planned to take place in December 2024. This will enable holidaying Remonians to join those at home and participate in the celebration. In planning this event, we have narrowed down a 3-event program.” He added.

The programme scheduled for the celebration includes an Art Exhibition, which will take two parts. The first part will be an Art Competition within Remo Secondary Schools, aimed at building awareness of Remoland among the children. The second part will be an Art Exhibition showcasing Remo’s culture, towns, traditions, commerce, notable individuals, industrialists, educationists, and the history of Remoland. This exhibition will feature photographs, display of artifacts, music, and displays at the venue, which will be Sagamu.

The second event will be a Dance Drama Play on Remo, its origin, history, towns, and people, anchored by renowned actor Kunle Bamtefa. The play will draw its narration from the book on Remoland and the stories passed down from generations, as well as part of the Martindale Inquiry.

Finally, a Celebration Rally is billed for the 27th of December at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, to round up the events of the 2024 Remo Heritage Celebration. “The plan is to have all Town Development Associations and Clubs pay homage to His Royal Majesty, displaying their unity and color. The event will include all ethnic nationalities that have made Remo home, with displays of traditional dances, masquerades, Gbedu Dance, and Beats forming part of the display,” Prince Sowole concluded.

When asked by our correspondent about the noticeable absence of sports events in the 2024 Remo Day program, the Chairman of the Planning Committee explained that the omission was due to the lack of technical expertise within the available timeframe. He acknowledged that sports events are an essential aspect of such celebrations but noted that securing competent personnel to oversee the organization of such events proved challenging. However, he reassured that sports programs will be considered and incorporated into future editions of Remo Day, ensuring a more comprehensive and inclusive celebration of Remoland’s culture and heritage.

Oba Adewale Osiberu, the Elepe of Epe, representing the Akarigbo of Remoland, commended the Remo Growth and Development Foundation for their tireless efforts in organizing the 2024 Remo Day celebration. In his remarks, he emphasized the significance of unity and cooperation among the people of Remoland, urging them to come together and showcase their rich cultural heritage. “Remo Day is not just a celebration, but a symbol of our resilience, strength, and collective identity,” he stated. Oba Osiberu also pledged his support for the event and encouraged all stakeholders to participate actively, ensuring that the 2024 Remo Day would be a memorable and successful occasion.

The Chairman, Remo Growth and Development Foundation, Otunba Seni Adetu, reiterated how much effort has been put into making the forthcoming Sagamu Day a success. He, therefore, called on all community leaders and stakeholders to prepare, as it will be a grand event indeed.

The event promises to be a celebration of unity, culture, and heritage, showcasing the rich traditions and history of the Remo people. With its unique blend of art, drama, and music. As the people of Remoland come together to celebrate their shared identity, they will also be reinforcing the bonds of unity and solidarity that have always defined their community.