Ipakodo Kingdom came alive in a colourful ceremony as His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Basiru Aremu Shotonwa, FNSE, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, officially unveiled the Ankara fabric for the 2025 Ipakodo Day Celebration.
The unveiling ceremony, held at the palace of the Sekumade of Ipakodo on August 21, 2025, brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, artisans, market women, and other stakeholders, marking the commencement of preparations for one of the community’s most anticipated annual events.
The occasion was also attended by representatives of the NURTW and several dignitaries, with the Iya Oloja of Ipakodo Kingdom ably represented by Alhaja Fehintola.
Prince Olasunkanmi Shotonwa, Chairman of the Ipakodo Development Association, expressed appreciation to the market women, artisans, and residents of Ipakodo for their support in making the previous year’s celebration a resounding success.
He noted that the primary purpose of the gathering was to reveal the 2025 Ankara, describing it as a unifying fabric that represents the identity and pride of the people.
In his brief remarks, Chief Kunle Adewahab prayed for divine blessings upon Oba Aremu Shotonwa and the Ipakodo Development Association.
He further wished the monarch long life, as well as continued growth and greater accomplishments.
Also addressing the gathering, Sir (Engr.) Chief R.O. Shoderu underscored the necessity of unity and cooperation, stressing that only through collective effort can the celebration and other developmental initiatives achieve success.
Representing the Iya Oloja of Ipakodo, Mrs. Fehintola commended the association for its consistent progress and innovation.
She further introduced an idea from the Iya Oloja—the creation of an anthem for Ipakodo—which she described as a cultural addition that would inspire pride and strengthen communal identity.
The youth voice was also heard, as the Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) encouraged greater involvement of young people in the planning and execution of the event.
He emphasized that whoever emerges as the youth chairman for the celebration must be a youth, ensuring that young people are given ownership and responsibility in the process.
In his royal address, Oba Aremu Shotonwa warmly greeted and acknowledged all guests present and praised the Ipakodo Development Association for its continuous strides in promoting growth and transformation across the community since its establishment.
The monarch proudly spoke of the ongoing construction of the new palace, assuring that by the next Ankara unveiling, the ceremony would be held in the new royal edifice.
Kabiyesi also spoke on the broader progress of Ipakodo, noting the infrastructural and social improvements taking place across the town.
He charged residents to embrace peace, unity, and dialogue, stating that misunderstandings should be resolved through discussion to pave the way for collective development.
He concluded his remarks with prayers for more reasons to celebrate and lasting prosperity for the kingdom.
Speaking further on preparations for the celebration, Prince Olasunkanmi Shotonwa, Chairman of the Ipakodo Development Association, announced that the 2025 Ipakodo Day Celebration will run from 26th September to 4th October, 2025.
According to him, the week-long program will begin on Saturday, 27th September, with the traditional Woro procession, followed by a church service on Sunday, 28th September.
A medical outreach is scheduled for Monday, 29th September, while Tuesday, 30th September will focus on youth and sports.
Elders’ Welfare will take center stage on Wednesday, 1st October, with Thursday, 2nd October set aside as Marketers’ Day.
The lineup continues with a Jumaat service on Friday, 3rd October, before culminating in the grand finale on Saturday, 4th October, to be held at the Ebute Ferry Terminal.
The 2025 celebration will be hosted under the royal patronage of Oba (Engr.) Basiru Aremu Shotonwa, Sekumade of Ipakodo Kingdom, with Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, Executive Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA, serving as Chief Host.
With the official unveiling of the Ankara fabric and the program schedule released, anticipation is already building for a grand and memorable Ipakodo Day Celebration in 2025.
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