The Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade says the upgrade of the stool of Eleta Oluyara of Iyara in Ijumu Local Government Area is long overdue and shocking.
Mrs. Ayoade stated this while responding to the plea of the National President of Iyara Development Association for the upgrade of the stool to first class status at this year’s Iyara Cultural Day.
She expressed shock over the neglect of the stool.
The SGS expressed her readiness to join forces with personalities from the Community such as Senator Smart Adeyemi and Mrs. Folashade Joseph, the immediate Past Managing Director of Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) to push for the upgrade of the traditional Stool.
“The President was asking for the upgrade of the stool of our Royal Father, it is long overdue. That he is still on second class is really shocking and a place where you have my sister, former Managing Director of Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) and Senator Smart Adeyemi, I am surprised that Daddy is still on second class.
“You know it is the Governor that gives approval, but I will push for the upgrade of this particular stool. I will make case for you sir Kabiyesi for the Governor to approve. By the time my sister push and Senator Smart Adeyemi, you will get your first class,” she said.
While congratulating all Iyara sons and daughters on the celebration, Mrs. Ayoade empathized the need for the sustenance of the culture and traditions of Okun land which she described as unique.
According to her, the main problem of Okun land is division, urging sons and daughters of Okun land to be united for the overall development of the area.
She charged the Okun Area Traditional Council to put heads together and organise an Okun Day towards providing a platform for unity.
Earlier, the National President of Iyara Development Association, Dr. Aliyu Badaki said Iyara is the only Local Government headquarters that does not have a first class Chief, appealing to the State Government to correct the irregularities.
Dr. Badaki however stated that the event was an opportunity for Iyara sons and daughters as well as friends to come together and showcase the Culture that unites people of the Community.
In his words, “One unique thing about Iyara Cultural Day is that it is purely cultural and it reminds us of our special delicacies, language and mode of dressing as well as a time where different tribes join us to celebrate under one Programme.”
“We pay tribute to the founding fathers of this Cultural Day as well as our ancestors, whose commitment, resilience and traditions have shaped our identity. We celebrate our language, customs, and values that bind us together.
“Also, we must be reminded that as part of 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 called on people of the Community to support Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in the ongoing onslaught against criminals.
“Unfortunately, the present security challenges ranging from kidnapping, Banditry etc have lowered our developmental drive as a bunch of the funds realized is being expended on Security. Our trust is in God and we know that the present administration of His Excellency, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State is doing his best to tackle insecurity, let us support Government to nip crimes in the bud.
In his remarks, the Olujumu of Ijumu, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni, who expressed satisfaction with the event and large turnout, applauded the Aliyu Badaki IDA for sustaining the annual Cultural Day.
On his part, the Eleta Oluyara, Oba Jacob Meduteni called on indigenes of Iyara to support the development of the Community by donating to development projects.
