Residents of Epinmi-Akoko in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State on Saturday celebrated the 2026 New Yam Festival with a fundraising campaign for the construction of a N500m recreation centre, as the traditional ruler of the community called for sustained peace and unity among residents.
The event, held at the community hall, attracted sons and daughters of Epinmi from within and outside the country, government officials, traditional chiefs, political leaders and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Gbiri of Epinmi, Oba Ayodele Femi Idris, Ajiwo II, described the annual celebration as a period of thanksgiving to God for a successful farming season and an opportunity to promote the community's cultural heritage and development.
The monarch said this year's celebration was also dedicated to raising funds for the proposed recreation centre, which he noted would serve as a major social infrastructure for the community.
"This celebration is very special to us because it is our way of thanking God for a successful harvest. Every year, we identify a project that will move our community forward, and this year we are focusing on the construction of a recreation centre," he said.
Oba Idris said the facility would provide a befitting relaxation spot for residents and visitors while encouraging indigenes to invest in the development of their hometown.
He also appealed to the Ondo State Government to provide more social amenities, improve electricity supply and harness the tourism potential of the community, particularly its hills, caves and other natural attractions.
"We have enormous tourism potential here. Visitors, including foreigners, come to explore our hills and caves. With the right government support and infrastructure, Epinmi can become a major tourist destination," the monarch added.
The traditional ruler expressed appreciation to residents, both at home and in the diaspora, for their cooperation and commitment to the progress of the community.
"I thank God for the unity we are enjoying. Our indigenes and non-indigenes have continued to support the traditional institution, and that unity remains our greatest strength," he said.
The Chairman of Akoko South-East Local Government, Jude Ayegbo, represented by Oladele Bello, commended the peaceful disposition of the community and urged residents to sustain the atmosphere of harmony.
He applauded the people for being law-abiding and encouraged them to continue supporting initiatives that would foster development in the area.
Also speaking, the Asiwaju of Epinmi, Chief Bailey Arohunmolase, described the annual celebration as a homecoming for sons and daughters of the community across Nigeria and the diaspora.
According to him, the festival provides an avenue for residents to discuss development issues, preserve their cultural heritage and mobilise resources for community projects.
"People travelled from different parts of the world, including the United Kingdom and the United States, to be part of this celebration. It is a platform for us to reunite, discuss our challenges and collectively chart the way forward," he said.
Arohunmolase appealed to the state government to rehabilitate the Epinmi-Ekare Road, saying its poor condition had continued to hinder commercial activities and economic growth in the area.
Similarly, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and retired military officer, Capt. Vincent Oyepata (retd.), urged the government to prioritise the reconstruction of roads linking the community, stressing that improved infrastructure would enhance security and socio-economic development.
Earlier, the Chairman of the 2026 Epinmi Day Planning Committee, Hon. Imoru Kamoru, said the community was celebrating three major events simultaneously — the New Yam Festival, Epinmi Day and the fundraising for the proposed recreation centre.
He said the project would be the first of its kind in the area and called on the government and well-meaning individuals to support its completion.
Kamoru also appealed to the Ondo State Government to reconstruct major roads linking the community, restore electricity supply that had been disconnected for over a year and develop the community's tourism sites to boost the local economy.
He further urged the government to give qualified indigenes of the community opportunities to serve through appointments into public offices.
The celebration featured cultural displays, traditional dances, the symbolic presentation of the new yam, entertainment and donations towards the N500m recreation centre project.
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