COMMUNIQUE OF THE EMERGENCY MEETING OF NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF OGORI DESCENDANTS UNION HELD ON 28TH MARCH, 2020 AT THE CIVIC CENTER, OGORI
In view of the global health challenges posed by COVID-19, the National Executive Committee of Ogori Descendants Union, ODU met on Saturday 28thbMarch 2020, at the Civic Center, Ogori to take a position on the 2020 Ovia Osese festival scheduled for 19th to 26th April 2020.
The meeting had in attendance critical shareholders from within and outside the community.
The meeting received submissions from the various branches across the Country and stakeholders and after exhaustive deliberations as follows;
1) The Community needs to align itself with on-going efforts and directives at state and national levels on how best to contain covid-19.
2) Consequently, Ogori Ovia Osese Festival 2020 being an international festival that attracts tourists from the globe among other visitors is no longer feasible and advisable.
3) The need to support sensitisation and awareness campaigns on how best to contain the pandemic.
4) The meeting resolved to cancel the celebration of the 2020 Ovia Osese festival and it’s ancillary events and advised members of the community to key into the directives of the State Government on public gathering because it is in our best interest.
5) It was established that no tradition is contravened by the concellation.
6) Those who have registered to participate in this year’s Ovia Osese festival would still be accommodated in next year’s edition but with dates of participation captured appropriately.
7) Consequently, Ovia Osese 2020 and all ancillary activities associated with the festival are canceled in the overall interest of the community and public health. This is to be communicated to all concerned, religious bodies and other relevant groups.
8) The meeting also took time to x-ray security issues in the entire Local Government Area, commended the efforts that resulted in the arrest of some kidnaps suspects. It further stressed the need for security consciousness and maintained that security should be everybody’s business.
9) Called for sustained prayers to overcome the challenges of COVID-19 and security challenges in Ogori.
Signed
Engr. Gbemi Omole
National President
Teddy Adegbola
National Secretary