By Omobolaji Adekunle
Not less than 2000 residents of Ogun State will enjoy free medical care as the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadabo marks his 80th birthday in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.
The Chairman, Planning Committee for the birthday ceremony, the Aro of Egbaland, Chief Oluyinka Kufile who disclosed this at a Press conference organized at the Ake place disclosed that Indigenes of Egbaland in diaspora will storm Abeokuta
Kufile said the week-long event will begin from Friday 8th to Friday 15th of September, 2023 with load of activities lined up to mark the occasion.
Giving the breakdown of activities, the Chairman noted that the event would feature road marathon, chieftaincy installation, free medical care, visit to the physically challenge and leper’s colony among other activities.
He disclosed that the free medical care will target residents of the state across ages and tribes with free drugs to cousin the effects of any ailments.
His words “Friday, 8 September 2023 there will be chieftaincy investiture to recognise the contributions of eminent Egba sons and daughters and other well-meaning individuals to Egbaland, Ogun State and Nigeria.”
“On Saturday 9 of September, 2023, to give fillip to Kabiyesi’s interest in sports development, especially among the youths, a road marathon in Abeokuta, between 8am to 1pm.Another chieftaincy installation will take place at Ake Palace by 2pm.”
“On Monday, 11th September, 2023, there would be Health Screening with free drugs dispensation for 2000 people of all ages at Ake Palace from the hours of 9am to 6pm.”
“Tuesday, 12 September, 2023, there would be continuation of Health Screening with free drugs dispensation for all ages at Ake Palace from the hours of 9am to 6pm.”
The Chairman added, “On Wednesday 13th September 2023, there will be continuation of Eye screening and treatment for many people at the Centenary Hall opposite Ake Palace from 9am to 6pm, with provision for surgeries where necessary.”
“Traditional homages to the Alake and Paramount Ruler by townships, communities, cultural groups, societies and clubs.”
“Thursday, 14th September. 2023 in accordance with the wishes of the celebrant for emphasis on appreciation and thanksgiving to Almighty God, there would be a Muslim prayer, and a Catholic Mass to be followed by an. Interdenominational Church Service at the Cathedral of St Peters, Ake.”
“Friday 15 September 2023,A major programme of interest to the celebrant is the Turning of the Sod and the foundation laying of the New Abeokuta City Hall. In accordance to Alake’s belief that in seven years’ time Abeokuta settlement will mark 200 years, it would be befitting for the edifice to have been completed in commemoration of Abeokuta settlement. Another Chieftaincy Installation will take place at Ake Palace”, Kufile added.