_…Committee charged to deliver historic celebration as community prepares for second Okpo Day since formation of initiative_
The Okpo Unity Initiative has formally inaugurated the Central Planning Committee for the Okpo Day Celebration scheduled for December 2026, setting in motion preparations for the second edition of the cultural event since the formation of the initiative.
The inauguration was performed by the Chairman of the Okpo Unity Initiative, Ibrahim Abdul Ganiyu, who said members were carefully selected based on their proven integrity, commitment and passion for the progress of the community.
Ganiyu expressed confidence that the committee would bring its wealth of experience to bear to ensure a historic and successful celebration, urging members to commence work immediately.
The committee will be funded by the association, while freewill donations and personal sacrifices will be appreciated and acknowledged, he said.
He charged members to discharge their duties with mutual respect and the fear of God, noting that the committee, composed of people of proven integrity, is privileged to correct past shortcomings and put things right in the interest of the community.
The Executive/Working Committee is headed by Hon. Mathew Ogbu as Chairman, with Supol Laurence as Vice Chairman and Sir Danjuma Amodu / Ojochogwu Peter as Secretary. Abdullahi Brandy / Richard Abu will serve as Treasurer, while Hon. Sani Danito / Ibrahim Samad will serve as Director of Logistics.
Hon. Ogbu / Hon. Ganiyu Amana will serve as Director of Fund Raising, Razak / Sylvester Akoji as Director of Publicity, Hon. Echi / Barr. Jibrin as Director of Food and Hospitality, Eneojo / Mc Taiwo as Director of Entertainment, and Omale Daniel / Alhaji Abbasido as Director of Security.
The Board of Trustees comprises Ibrahim Abdul Ganiyu, Ojochogwu Peter, Richard Abu, Ibrahim Samad and Barr. Umar Jibrin.
Responding on behalf of the inaugurated members, the Secretary, Danjuma Amodu, said they accept the honour to undertake the task with a deep sense of humility and gratitude for the trust reposed in them to serve in the Central Planning Committee for Okpo Day Celebration, December 2026.
On behalf of the entire committee, he stressed that they accept the assignment with total commitment, adding that they understand the weight of the responsibility and do not take it lightly.
“Okpo Day is more than a celebration. It is a statement of who we are — our unity, our culture, our history, and our shared aspiration for a better community. That this will be the second edition since the formation of the Okpo Unity Initiative makes this task even more significant. We must build on the lessons of the first edition, correct past shortcomings, and raise the standard,” he said.
He assured the Okpo Unity Initiative and the entire community that the committee will work as one team, with transparency, mutual respect and the fear of God, for the successful hosting of the day.
“Our mandate is clear: to plan, coordinate and deliver a historic, peaceful, inclusive and memorable Okpo Day that every son and daughter of Okpo, at home and in the diaspora, will be proud of,” Amodu said.
He said the committee will immediately swing into action, with directors rolling out work plans for logistics, fundraising, publicity, food and hospitality, entertainment and security, while carrying everybody along because Okpo belongs to all.
Speaking further, he called on all members of the committee to see the assignment as a call to service, not a title, urging them to put personal interest aside, put Okpo first, work hard, sacrifice and support one another.
He also appealed to well-meaning sons and daughters of Okpo, friends of the community and partners to support the committee with donations, ideas and prayers, noting that no contribution is too small when given for the progress of the community.
Amodu thanked the Chairman of the Okpo Unity Initiative, Ibrahim Abdul Ganiyu, for the honour, and thanked every member of the committee for accepting to serve.
“Together, by the grace of God, we will deliver a successful Okpo Day 2026,” he said.
Ganiyu congratulated members on their appointment and said the initiative looks forward to a successful Okpo Day 2026.
