Isinkan, headquarters of Akure West LCDA in Ondo State on Saturday came alive as the grand finale of the 2024 Isinkan Day celebration took the center stage.
The event not only showcased the rich varieties of Isinkan’s heritage but also served as a rallying point for unity and progress, drawing indigenes, residents, and visitors
Excitement filled the air as indegenes in colourful traditional attire mingled with guests from far and wide, converging at Ita Owa.
The activities for the grand finale of the 2024 Isinkan day celebration kicked off with a grand parade, where various community groups paid homage to the monarch, Iralepo of Isinkan.
Non-indigenes resident in the domain were also not left behind as the isinkan day afforded them an avenue to show solidarity and appreciation to their host, who they described as a man for all.
The Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa praised Isinkan’s commitment to tradition and community development.
Represented by the commissioner for physical Planning and Urban Development Mr Gbenga Olaniyi, Governor Aiyedatiwa said Isinkan Monarch’s peaceful approach to issues and developmental drives are applausible.
Aiyedatiwa urged communities in the state to embrace communal projects and to join hands with government in ensuring security of their domains.
The Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola Olófin-Adimula, (Aruwolasi III) underscored the importance of preserving cultural identity and fostering community spirit.
His words which resonated among the gathered crowd, reinforced the pride and resilience that define Isinkan’s spirit.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to all our sons and daughters in positions of authority in both public and private enterprises to use their good offices to improve and initiate developmental projects and programmes in Isinkan.
“Many of our youths are jobless with various educational qualifications, we need your help for greater assistance for them.”
“It is incumbent on every citizen of this town to think Isinkan first in our daily activities.” Iralepo said
The Chairman of the planning committee, Hon. Olumuyiwa Akintola Aguda, said the 2024 Isinkan day was to showcase the rich culture and traditions of the Isinkan people and to raise N5billion for the developmental projects conceived by the Iralepo of Isinkan.
He said the projects conceived are; a 3,000 seater civic centre, an endowment fund for the aged (above 75 years), Youth empowerment scheme: vocational training and skills acquisition, Scholarship scheme for indigent students of various Higher Institutions, a befitting mosque and renovation of the iralepo’s palace.
Special honoured guests at the ceremony included the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa who was represented by Hon. Gbenga Olaniyi the Commissioner for Physical Planning, the Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, business mogul Dr. Olawale Babalakin who was represented by Prince Babatunde Adesanya, the Secretary to the Government of Ondo State, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, and Pastor Godwin Akpovie, the Chief Executive of Delta Coastal Zone Authority.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included the former National Vice Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria, Engr. Tunji Ariyomo, the Oranfe Onile Ina, Oba Abiodun Mulatto, the Oniju of Iju Odo, Oba Festus Olumoyegun and the Osolo of Isolo, Oba Edward Osalade II, Prince Ademola Adekanbi, the Onimo of Imo Ijesha, Oba Niyi Agunbiade.
Others in attendance included Hon. Stephen Abitogun, Hon. Member representing Akure South Constituency II in the state’s House of Assembly, Prince Sunday Adejuyigbe the Chairman of Akure West LCDA and Hon. Gbenga Fasua Chairman of Akure South LGA.
Religious organisations within the town including a delegation from Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria were also present to show solidarity with Isinkan people
High points of the event was the unveiling of the Isinkan Anthem which was sang in unison by all in attendance and Installation of Engr. Tunji L’ight Ariyomo and wife as Aare Adimula of Isinkan Kingdom and Yeye Adimula of Isinkan Kingdom
The celebration was not only a testament to Isinkan’s past but also a testament to its future as Funds raised during the event will support crucial development projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and community welfare
Throughout the day, traditional music filled the air, accompanied by the rhythmic movements of dancers and the laughter of families enjoying local delicacies.
Isinkan Day 2024 was not just a celebration; it was a reaffirmation of cultural pride, unity, and collective aspiration.
