The 40th Akoraye Day Planning Committee has appealed for calm and peaceful conduct ahead of this year’s celebration in Modakeke, Osun State.
The committee made the appeal on Monday during a press conference addressed by its Chairman, Prince Tunmbi Toriola, in Modakeke.
Prince Toriola said the appeal became necessary to ensure a smooth and successful celebration of the historic 40th edition. He noted that Akoraye Day has united Modakeke people for four decades and remains a platform for cultural promotion and community development.
Prince Toriola explained that the event, first adopted as Modakeke Akoraye Day in 1984, has remained a source of resilience and progress for the community.
He recalled that the celebration has contributed significantly to the development of Modakeke over the years.
Prince Toriola listed major community projects funded through Akoraye Day, including schools, courts, markets, a modern palace, a police station and the Modakeke Town Hall.
He also mentioned facilities such as Ogunsua Radio 97.7 FM, the civic centre, motor parks, electricity infrastructure and other key amenities as part of the community’s achievements.
Prince Toriola unveiled the official programme schedule for the eight-day celebration starting December 6 and ending December 13.
He said activities lined up include traditional rites, thanksgiving services, competitions, a shopping plaza commissioning, fitness walk, medical outreach, award night and a grand finale.
Prince Toriola added that the grand finale will feature the launching of a one-billion-naira community development fund.
He made a strong appeal for peace across Modakeke and its surroundings throughout the celebration period.
Prince Toriola emphasized that no progress can thrive in an atmosphere of unrest and urged residents to reject any attempt to disrupt peace.
He called for cooperation with security agencies and encouraged all participants to uphold values of unity and mutual respect.
Prince Toriola appealed to the Osun State Government to address infrastructural deficits in Modakeke, especially poor roads, water supply challenges, drainage needs and security concerns.
He highlighted the incomplete bridge at Old NEPA Area as an urgent project requiring government attention.
According to him, “Our roads, in particular, have become a pressing concern. They affect commerce, emergency response, social mobility, and the overall well-being of residents. One of such is the bridge at Old Nepa Area, which has been repaired to a considerable stage, yet incomplete, left to destruction.
“Development is a shared responsibility. Modakeke has consistently demonstrated its commitment to self-help development, but communities thrive best when government support strengthens local initiatives. It is therefore both appropriate and imperative that the state government partners with us to uplift the infrastructural landscape of this historic community.”
Prince Toriola urged all Modakeke indigenes to participate in the celebration and contribute to the development fund.
He said, “As we celebrate the 40th Akoraye Day, we stand united in purpose, grateful for our past, and fully committed to a brighter future. We call on our people across the world to participate actively, support generously, promote peace, celebrate responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to the Development Fund initiative
“Akoraye Day has always been about what we can achieve together. Let this 40th edition be a landmark, one that sets the stage for an even brighter and more prosperous Modakeke”