Towards preserving the culture and heritage of the Igbomina people in Kwara state, the indigenes of the area have planned to establish a Centre for Igbomina, Ibolo and Ekiti Studies.
Speaking at the maiden Ewa Igbomina Cultural Fiesta in Ajase Ipo in the Irepodun local government area of the state, a former aide of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and a
Professor of Neuro and Spinal Surgery, Professor Wale Sulaiman, said that, “We must focus on educating ourselves on our culture and heritage so as not to lose our identity”.
Professor Sulaiman, who said that all sons and daughters of Igbomina land should be committed to ensure that Igbomina land reclaims its spot in Kwara state, added that, “we must create employment for our youth and train them for the 21st century jobs in order to drive development to our region. We must bring back industries to our region”.
The community leader, however, called on the teeming Igbomina people to allow love and unity reign in the region, saying that is the only way to foster growth and development in the land.
Also speaking, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo kingdom, Oba Yahaya Ismail Alebiosu Atoloye, said that a recognition award of excellence was presented to Professor Sulaiman in recognition of his remarkable professional excellence, philanthropic activities, and community development efforts towards development of Igbomina land and Nigeria in general.
Oba Atoloye, who is also the chairman, Traditional Council of Igbomina/Ekiti land, described Professor Sulaiman as a genuine philanthropist whose love for the Igbomina land and the people is unquantifiable.
Among royal fathers at the event were Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Yahaya Ismail Alebiosu who was accompanied by His Royal Highness, Oludopo of Oke Iya Oba, Saheed Giwa Opadoye, the Olojoku of Ojoku land, His Royal Majesty, Oba AbdulRazaq Adegboyega Afolabi Iyiolaseni III, The Oloba of Eju land, Sanmora, Oba Maroof Afolayan.
The glamorous event was also witnessed by several illustrious sons and daughters of Igbomina land and distinguished awardees. They include Professor Emmanuel Ibiloye, the guest lecturer, the Irepodun LGA TIC Chairman, Alhaji Adeniyi Abdulfatai (Dan Kazeem), and executives of Igbomina Youth Assembly. Others are Hon. Ishola Olateju Olohungbebe, (awardee), Alhaji Yinka Quadri (awardee), Mr. Muka Ray-Eyiwumi (awardee), Alhaji Adeoti Kazeem ADEKAZ (awardee) and his wife, Mercy Aigbe.
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