Ilaje Youths: “Your Initiative is Fantastic” – Gov. Aiyedatiwa
Ilaje Youths Organize Three-Day Cultural Festival
By Exponent News, Akure – April 26, 2025
In a vibrant display of unity, culture, and identity, the Ilaje Youths in Akure have successfully organized a three-day Cultural Festival aimed at celebrating and showcasing their rich traditional heritage to the world. The event, themed “Self-Reliance with Unity in Diversity,” held in Akure, brought together sons and daughters of Ilaje origin, leaders, and guests to foster cultural pride, community development, and national integration.
Speaking during the festival, Comrade Oripenaye Blessing, Chairman of the Ilaje Youths in Akure, said the programme was conceived to unite the Ilaje people under one identity and present their heritage to a global audience. “The motive behind this programme is to showcase the cultural heritage of our people to the world and to unite us in love and harmony,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Acting Chairman of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Bayo Rojugbokan, emphasized the unity of the Ilaje people, describing them as one entity bound by language and shared values. He highlighted the uniqueness of their diversity and its importance in harmonizing their identity and achieving collective goals. Mr. Rojugbokan commended the cultural troupes for reviving the memory of the famous Ilaje Boats Regatta, which served as entertainment for the guests.
He defined self-reliance as an inward strength and a vital trait among the Ilaje, stating that “self-reliance begins at home and not from outside. It is this spirit of contentment and resilience that has distinguished the Ilaje people as wise navigators of the sea, leveraging nature for economic growth without the use of a compass.”
Comrade Joshua Akinte, Secretary of the Ilaje Youths in Akure, stressed the importance of unity among all Ilaje sons and daughters across the state and beyond. He called on the government, led by an indigene of Ilaje land, to continue its commendable developmental strides both in the state and specifically in Ilaje communities. He explained that the programme was also designed to bring all Ilaje youths together under one umbrella, bridging regional divides and promoting oneness.
He pointed out that the festival was meant to help people distinguish Ilajes from other ethnic groups in the area and affirm their unity. “We are working together for the progress of our people and land. The Ilaje are one and united in love and peace,” he said. He encouraged the youth to avoid division and to work as one, urging the government to do more for regional development.
Representing Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa at the event, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Segun Omojuwa, lauded the Ilaje Youths for their initiative. “This programme is fantastic. We must cherish our cultural heritage and promote the economic development of our state,” he said. He encouraged the youth to continue fostering unity and collaboration among themselves and with others across the state.
He revealed that the Governor has numerous programmes planned for the youth of Ondo State, assuring them that “the future of our youth is very bright.” According to him, Ilaje land is safe, and the administration is committed to ensuring it receives the development it deserves.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, through his representative, promised compensation for the organizers and highlighted the need for additional support from development partners such as the World Bank and the Federal Government, considering the region’s challenging terrain.
On infrastructure, he stated that projects such as the road linking Ugbonla to Ayetoro are in the pipeline, alongside ongoing rural road upgrades in Ilaje Local Government. He also assured that the government would ensure proper reticulation and supply of water in Aboto to other Ilaje communities. Additionally, recent awards for concrete footbridges and walkway projects across Ilaje land were part of efforts to enhance the region’s aesthetic and structural development.
In another development, Mr. Oluyemi Ekundehinwa, while assessing the festival, rated it at 80% success. He praised the organizers and aligned with other speakers on the importance of showcasing Ilaje culture through the youth. Mr. Ekundehinwa, who was also honoured at the event, emphasized the need for peace among Ilaje youth. “We cannot become tomorrow’s leaders if we don’t preach unity today,” he said, calling on the youth to prevent their culture from going extinct by keeping it alive through such programmes.
