Kunle Adelabu with Oyewumi Adebisi & Usman Aroyewun (Trainees)
Preparations for the second edition of the Ikorodu-Oga Fanti Carnival, have become increasingly visible across Ikorodu community, with banners, decorative designs and other promotional materials signalling the community’s readiness for the cultural spectacle scheduled for Saturday, November 14.
A visit to parts of the town on Friday by THE IMPACT, revealed a growing sense of anticipation, although the atmosphere remained relatively calm without the heightened excitement expected to accompany the carnival itself.
Banners announcing the event have been mounted at strategic locations, while decorative materials and other visible arrangements around the community point to the final preparations ahead of the celebration.
The mood suggests that residents are gradually getting into the carnival spirit as the event draws closer.
The Fanti Carnival, organised by the Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS), is a major feature of the 35th edition of the annual Ikorodu-Oga Festival, which runs from November 14 to 21.
The second edition of the carnival will bring together the three traditional quarters of Ikorodu, Aga Parapo, Ijomu Parapo and Isele-Alaro United, for cultural processions, performances and other displays.
Cultural groups, local and foreign tourists, brands, visitors and cultural enthusiasts, are also expected to be part of the celebration of the Ikorodu’s cultural heritage.
Speaking with THE IMPACT ahead of the event, the Vice Chairman of IKODASS, Alhaji Olorunrinu Anifowoshe, expressed confidence that the carnival would record a massive turnout, attributing the growing awareness to publicity across social media and other communication channels.
“Social media has played a huge role in escalating the event, and as such, we are confident that there will be massive turnout tomorrow”, Alhaji Anifowoshe said.
He, however, noted that the organisers are committing the event to God’s hands through prayers, while appealing to residents to exercise patience with possible traffic disruptions during the celebration.
Alhaji Anifowoshe said IKODASS and other stakeholders have been in meetings to coordinate arrangements and communicate traffic diversion plans to the public through radio, television and social media platforms.
He explained that the diversion information has been made available for motorists travelling through Ikorodu in different directions, urging road users to familiarise themselves with the designated routes before setting out.
On the management of commercial activities during the carnival, Alhaji Anifowoshe disclosed that IKODASS has put a market executive committee in place to coordinate vendors. He said vendors participating in the festival have been registered and would operate under the supervision of the committee.
The IKODASS Vice Chairman also appealed to participants to conduct themselves responsibly, stressing that the carnival was intended to promote enjoyment, relaxation and community bonding rather than rivalry among the participating quarters.
“The Fanti carnival is for us to feel fun and relax ourselves, destressing from the tension everywhere. There is no competition or rivalry but just funfair”, Alhaji Anifowoshe said.
He warned against the use of illicit drugs and other conduct capable of undermining public safety, urging participants to ensure that all activities are conducted in an orderly and responsible manner.
The Fanti Carnival is expected to feature colourful processions by the three traditional quarters, cultural presentations, music, dance and other entertainment activities at the Ikorodu Town Hall.
With preparations becoming increasingly evident across the town, residents and visitors are expected to converge on Ikorodu on Saturday for the celebration, which forms part of the community’s annual effort to showcase its cultural heritage and strengthen its identity.
According to the organisets, Aga Parapo will proceed from Gbasemo through Aga Junction, Ireshe Road, Itelewa-Oriwu Road, Ojogbe and Ayangburen Road to the roundabout.
Ijomu Parapo is expected to move through Obunale, Ota-Ona, Itunpate, Alhaji Street, Ojubode to the Roundabout, while Isele-Alaro will proceed from Orita Maluti, also known as Ladamos junction, and move through Ejina, Itumoja and Onishigida to Sabo Roundabout before connecting to Sagamu Road and then, the Ikorodu Roundabout.
