As the people of Ondo town in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State prepares to celebrate the annual Ogun festival tomorrow, youths in the community have been encouraged to ensure that the festival is free of violence.
This encouragement was given by a prominent youth leader in the community, Comrade Famakinwa Lucas popularly known Kakaki in a chat with Climax News Hub on Wednesday.
Comrade Famakinwa who is the President of Ekimogun Youths Connect (EYC) described Ogun festival in Ondo Kingdom as a landmark event in the community that has continued to receive global attention and encourages tourists to visit the community.
He said “Ogun festival in Ondo Kingdom has been one of the most attended festivals in Ondo State and even in the Southwestern part of Nigeria.
“People who are indigenes of Ondo Kingdom who are residing within and outside the country return home for this festival.
“Friends of Ondo indigenes living within and outside the state and country also visit Ondo Kingdom to witness how we celebrate Ogun festival.
Comrade Famakinwa called on the youths to ensure an hitch free celebration that will unite the people for the development of the community.
“It is important that I advise our youths to remain calm as they go about their festive activities. As we will be moving from one street to another to watch the worshippers (ologuns) and other people who will be having processions across the city, we should remain calm and not fight one another.
He encouraged them to imbibe the spirit of love and forgiveness during the festival in other to avoid the breakdown of law and order and encourage more people to participate in the festival.
“Love should be our watchword. If anyone offends you, you must try to accept his or her apology and forgive him or her. We must avoid resorting to violence of any kind during the celebration in order to maintain the peace we enjoy in the community and work together to develop our land.”
