Ilaje Youth in Akure Celebrate Cultural Heritage, Demand Greater Support and Job Opportunities
By Exponent News Akure, April 26, 2025
The Ilaje Youth community in Akure, led by its Chairman, Oripenaye Blessing gathered today in a vibrant celebration of their cultural identity, under the theme of Self-Reliance, Unity with Diversity. The event showcased the rich heritage of the Ilaje people and served as a platform to promote social cohesion and community development.
Speaking during the event, Oripenaye emphasized that the aim was to reinforce the identity of the Ilaje people, regardless of where they reside. “What we are planning to achieve is establishing the fact that we, the Ilajes, can be Ilaje anywhere in the world,” he said. “Though we are in Akure for educational purposes and in search of greener pastures, that does not take away our identity.”
He further noted that the cultural display was especially meaningful for those unable to travel to the Ilaje homeland. “We are showcasing our cultural heritage to people who cannot journey from here to Obenla or to my own community, Odofado,” he said. “At least they will get to know the culture of the Ilaje people—we are showcasing Ilaje to the world.”
Beyond cultural promotion, the Ilaje Youth Chairman spoke on broader developmental goals. “One of the reasons for the establishment of Ilaje Youth in Akure is to empower our people, especially the youth,” he said. “When you want to build a society, you build the people—and they, in turn, build the infrastructure and sustain the community.”
According to Oripenaye, sustainability and self-reliance are key goals for the group, with a focus on both economic and environmental development in Ilaje land. He urged the community to support youth empowerment initiatives, pushing back against negative stereotypes.
“Some people claim Ilaje youth don’t want to work and are drawn to militancy,” he stated. “But that is not true. We are calling on the government: we, the Ilaje youth in Akure, are ready to work. We have our certificates. Let there be job opportunities. Let these youth be occupied with meaningful activities.”
The event concluded with a renewed call for recognition, employment opportunities, and ongoing support from both the government and the wider community, as the Ilaje Youth continue their pursuit of a stronger, more self-reliant future.
