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By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
The leadership of Magongo Development Association,MDA, has set up a nine-member Central Planning Committee as part of preparations for the 2026 edition of the historic , annual Owiya Osese Festival.
The National President of MDA, Prince Jordan Akpata, who is also the Chairman of the Committee, while Justice Funke Anuwe serves as Chairperson, disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement he signed and made available to The Reporters in Lokoja.
According to him, the committee is charged with the responsibility of planning, coordinating and delivering a successful celebration that reflects the people’s rich cultural heritage.
The committee, he added, is made up of prominent sons and daughters of Magongo, drawn from across the country, adding that are expected to ensure that the festival is organised in line with acceptable standards of cultural preservation, unity, security, accountability and national visibility.
Other members include Emmanuel Ikpelemoh as Secretary; Rowland Ojo Awe (Lokoja); Franklin Olu Alabi (Abuja); Moses Erin (Ilorin); Samuel Tafa; Stephen Ajagun (Ibadan); and Sunday Ajiboye (Lagos).
He said the Central Planning Committee is equally to provide overall direction for the festival, ensuring that all activities are well coordinated and inclusive to project the cultural identity of Owiya to a wider national audience.
The scope of the committee’s responsibilities also includes strategic planning and execution of the festival, coordination of all sub-committees, mobilisation of human, financial and material resources, as well as ensuring safety, orderliness and broad participation throughout the festival period.
To effectively carry out its assignment, several sub-committees have been created under the general supervision of the Central Planning Committee, according to Prince Akpata.
The subcommittees are Logistics; Protocol; Finance and Fundraising; Media, Communication and Publicity; Security and Safety; Welfare and Hospitality; and Cultural Troupe and Heritage, pointing out that all sub-committees are to report directly to the Central Planning Committee.
The National President of the association expressed confidence that the committee would deliver a memorable festival that would unite the people and showcase Owiya’s cultural values to the world.
He called on all sons and daughters of Magongo to support the committee towards the successful hosting of the 2026 Osese Festival.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
