The rich heritage of Iyara Town, the headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State shone brightly for all to see during the Iyara Cultural Day and Carnival event held at the weekend.
Ancient traditions and modern ambitions met at the 2024 edition of the event as people from all walks of life gathered in Iyara town to celebrate heritage and unveil infrastructure ambitions for the community’s development.
The annual celebration drew sons and daughters of Iyara, as well as well-wishers, who gathered in the ancient town to witness an impressive display of cultural pride.
The event took participants on a journey through Iyara’s history, with colourful performances that highlighted the community’s longstanding traditions.
Women’s groups showcased traditional marriage ceremonies as they were conducted centuries ago, offering a fascinating glimpse into Iyara’s heritage.
Other ancient customs were also revived, captivating the audience with the beauty of Iyara’s diverse culture.
Beyond the rich displays of culture and tradition, the Iyara community seized this special occasion to launch a transformative initiative aimed at upgrading local infrastructure.
This ambitious plan reflected Iyara’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens, ensuring a vibrant and prosperous future alongside the preservation of its cultural legacy.
In his welcome address, Alhaji Aliyu Badaki, President of Iyara Development Association (IDA), said the event was to promote unity in diversity as Iyara people know and understand the differences and similarities between their cultures and other cultures.
“One unique thing about Iyara Cultural Day is that it is purely original,” Badaki said adding, the Day celebrates Iyara unique culture, cuisines, language and fashion. We celebrate our language, customs and values that bind us together.”
Badaki, Badaki, also the Board of Trustees Chairman and former National President of Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN), said the day symbolized Iyara people’s unity and strength to revitalize their cultural practices, promote their language, and preserve their history.
“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 tradition 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,” he said.
He said the resolve to host this year’s event despite the economic hardship in the country was also a demonstration of the people’s commitment to source for resources to develop their community.
According to him, the event is aimed at raising N250 million for community development, which will see the community’s intervention across sectors such as education, health, water, electricity and security.
“It is no longer news that the development of any society cannot be left in the hands of government alone only if we want to move forward.
“What is why we have adopted this event to pull resources together to enable us embark on critical projects that will have direct positive impact on the lives of our people,” he said.
The hospitality management expert, however, regretted the security challenges pervading the community, including kidnapping, banditry and herders attacks, saying these have retarded the community’s developmental drive.
“The chunk of the funds realized through community efforts and support from well-wishers are being expended on Security.”
He, therefore, appealed to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo to support the people of Iyara in confronting the security challenges headlong.
The Eleta Oluyara of Iyara land, Oba Jacob Meduteni, in his remarks, paid tribute to the founding fathers of Iyara, the community’s ancestors, saying their “resilience and unique traditions have shaped our identity”.
The paramount ruler of the town, who was full of praises for the cultural displays, called on indigenes of the community to reawaken the spirit of communal development in them and be proud of their language, customs, and values everywhere.
Chairman of the occasion, Cdr Jerry Omodara (Rtd), the Security Adviser to Kogi State Governor, said cultural diversity was the strength of the Okun-Yoruba and Kogi State people as it enriched the communities, fostered understanding and promoted peace.
“Let us remember that our differences are not barriers but bridges that connect us. In embracing our diversity, we cultivate a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect,” Omodara said.
The security expert urged the people to remain vigilant, united and tolerant so as to promote an inclusive society where all citizens could live without fear.
Omodara also urged the community to embrace agriculture as a way of attaining food sufficiency adding, “farming is part of our culture and we should be able to showcase it.
“We look forward to next year when our local foods will be on display at the arena where prizes will be awarded for the best agricultural produce on display.
The State Security Adviser warned community land owners against indiscriminately selling their lands to strangers, saying the state would revoke lands sold to criminals as well as punish the sellers.
Some dignitaries that graced the occasion included Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni, the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom and Oba Muyiwa Ibeun, the Elulu of Mopa.
Others were political office holders, political appointees, illustrious indigenes of Iyara and friends and well-wishers.
