South Sudan international footballer Tito Okello Odong has returned to his ancestral home in Agago District for the first time in 21 years, where he underwent traditional Acholi cleansing and blessing rituals before pledging to support the development of young football talent in Northern Uganda.
Okello, a striker for Indonesian Liga 1 side PSM Makassar, was welcomed at his ancestral home in Lakwa Village by Kutongo clan chief Rwot Kasimiro Ongom and a council of clan elders, who performed customary rites to mark his return after leaving home in 2005.
As part of the ceremony, the footballer stepped over lined sticks, an Acholi ritual traditionally performed for clan members returning home after spending many years away.
He was later blessed with Olwedo, a sacred plant believed to protect individuals from misfortune and usher in success.
The homecoming was organized by Arua Hill FC Director Nyeko Caesar Otto, who accompanied Okello alongside several sports personalities, including Stephen Odong Latek, Francis Onekalit, Desmond Arop Oryema, Denis Okot Oola, Isaac Agogo and Morris Ocen, popularly known as Banana Joe.
Speaking at his palace in Aloi Village, Patongo Sub-county, Rwot Ongom urged the visiting footballers to protect their careers by maintaining discipline and staying connected to their cultural roots.
By URN
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