Togo's Agou Kebo Celebrates Third Edition of Kebo Novitikplo

The third edition of Kebo Novitikplo took place on November 7 in Kebo-Apeyeyeme, Togo. The event, themed "Contribution of Agou Kebo Youth to Canton Development: Challenges and Opportunities in Social Life Education," aimed to improve relationships and dialogue between communities and local authorities. Organizers sought to facilitate community participation and efficient management of resources for community development. The initiative also aimed to equip young people with necessary knowledge and skills for active participation in development.

The event featured traditional activities, including hamac parades, folk songs, and dances. A symbolic check was presented to the Kebo-Apeyeyeme Village Development Committee (CVD) president for development projects. The "Novitikplo" torch was also passed to the host village. Monkli Kokou, regional director of Tourism, Culture, and Arts for Plateaux-Ouest, stated that Novitikplo mobilizes communities around cultural activities promoting positive messages. His department pledged technical support for cultural heritage documentation and promotion.

Joseph Mawussi Afemeku, vice-secretary of the Novitikplo committee, presented a report on activities and future plans. He recalled a meeting with the Agou prefect and commune mayor in December 2025, where decisions were made on social cohesion, local governance, education, and infrastructure development. For 2026-2027, the committee plans to pursue its roadmap, including land issues, village boundary delimitation, and construction of a high school and electrification of Kebo-Apeyeyeme.

The committee also plans to develop a cantonal solidarity charter and sign partnership agreements. Togbui Gbadegbe IV, Agou Kebo canton chief, encouraged Novitikplo to be a platform for intergenerational exchange, blending tradition and modernity. He urged community members to revive good practices and engage in local development, emphasizing respect among youth and for authorities.

Novitikplo is an annual event hosted in each of the eight Kebo canton villages, selected by random draw. Next year's event will be held in Kebo-Toé. The event seeks to promote community development and social cohesion through cultural activities and youth engagement.

The Novitikplo initiative has been recognized for its role in promoting community development and cultural heritage. The event has become a significant platform for community members to come together and discuss development issues.

Overall, the third edition of Kebo Novitikplo demonstrated the importance of community engagement and cultural activities in promoting development and social cohesion in Togo's Agou Kebo canton.

Key points

• The event focused on youth contribution to community development and social life education.