It was a blend of culture and modern traditions at the 2024 Iyara Cultural Day and Carnival event as sons and daughters of Iyara, the headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, over the weekend gathered to celebrate the town’s heritage and culture with an impressive display of cultural pride.
The President, Iyara Development Association (IDA), Aliyu Badaki, while speaking at the occasion, said the event is not just about youth empowerment through cultural education but also to foster unity among various communities as well as showcasing Iyara culture to the world.
“One unique thing about Iyara Cultural Day is that it is purely original. The Day celebrates Iyara’s unique culture, cuisines, language and fashion. We celebrate our language, customs and values that bind us together.”
Badaki added that the day symbolises the Iyara people’s unity and strength to revitalise 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,” the IDA president stated.
Badaki said that the launching of N250 million is aimed at community development which will see interventions 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 Eleta Oluyara of Iyaraland, Oba Jacob Meduteni, in his remarks, paid tributes to the founding fathers of Iyara ancestors, saying their “resilience and unique traditions have shaped our identity.”
Chairman of the the occasion and Security Adviser to Kogi State Governor, Commodore Jerry Omodara (rtd), said cultural diversity was the strength of the Okun-Yoruba and Kogi State people as it enriches the communities, fosters understanding and promotes peace.
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