Saturday, October 26, 2024 was indeed a great and joyous day for the good people of Iyara, headquarters of Ijumu Local Government area of Kogi State as they all appeared in gorgeous and attractive attires to celebrate their annual Cultural Day.
National President of Iyara Development Association (IDA), Aliyu Badaki in his welcome address said the essence of the day was to appreciate God for his faithfulness and sustenance of the people of the community.
He also said the day is to showcase the cultural relevance of the people, “This ceremony is a day for us to showcase our unity in diversity, know the differences and similarities between our cultures to make Nigeria our beloved country a better place.
“One unique thing about Iyara cultural Day is that it is purely cultural. The cultural Day is a special day where sons and daughters of this Community come together to display our various cultures, food, languages and cloths as well as a time where different tribes join us to celebrate under one Programme, the Iyara Cultural Day.”
Badaki urged the people to sustain the culture of the land, as well as lend support to community development, “As we roll out drums to celebrate today, we must be reminded that it is part of our efforts to ensure that our culture and traditions does not go into extinction, we must empower our young generation through cultural education, foster unity among our communities, and showcase Iyara Culture locally and globally.
“Aside from celebrating our identities, this program is aimed at raising N250 million for community development as you are rest assured that every penny collected will be judiciously utilized for the purpose intended.”
The Paramount ruler of the community, the Eleta of Iyara, Oba Jacob Babatunde Meduteni who was full of praise for the cultural displays called on sons and daughters of the community to reawaken the spirit of communal development in them.
He said Iyara which have been relatively peaceful must look inward and complement government efforts in providing infrastructural development.
He specifically call on the people to take security issue seriously, “Security wise, it is our prayer, that God will continue to help us uphold the acronym of our name – Iyara the Home of Peace.
“We have seen series of security challenges regarding peaceful coexistence of our people and non indigenes. I wish to appeal to all for continued peaceful coexistence, progress and development of the community and Iyara Town. Let us all recommit ourselves to this.”
Chairman of the Occasion, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd.) urged the community to embrace agriculture as a way of attaining food sufficiency.
“We look forward to next year where our local foods we be on display at the arena; where prizes will be awarded to best agricultural produce on display. Farming is part of our culture, and will should be able to showcase it”.
Omodara who is the State Security Adviser however warned community land owner to be weary of whom they sell their lands to, said the state will revoke and deal with anyone who gives lands to criminals.
The Olujumu of Ijumu, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni, the ELULU of Mopa, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun; where among notable traditional rulers that graced the occasion.
End.
