• 03 Nov, 2024
• Tobi Sangotola
• No comment

Ijakadi Festival 2024: A Cultural Catalyst for Economic Growth in Offa

Festival Dedicated to Economic Development

Aare Waheed Olagunju, the Chairman of the Media and Communications Committee for the annual Ijakadi Festival in Offa, Kwara State, has announced that this year’s festival will focus on leveraging culture to drive economic growth in the community.

The event is scheduled to take place from December 26 to 28, 2024, under the theme “Cultural and Creative Sectors: A Vehicle for Economic Growth and Development.”

Commitment to Cultural Preservation

Olagunju emphasized the organizers’ commitment to building on the momentum established by Offa indigenes during last year’s festival. He expressed confidence that the theme of this year’s celebration aligns with their mission to utilize cultural initiatives for sustainable community development. “This year’s theme aptly captures our drive to sustain the momentum started last year,” he stated.

Festival Schedule and Highlights

The festival will kick off on December 26, 2024, with inter-denominational prayers led by Sheikh Muideen Abdulsallam, the Chief Imam of Offa, alongside the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Offa. The prayers will commence at 10:00 a.m.

Following the prayers, Dr. Lawal Muhammed will deliver an annual lecture titled “Evolution of Our Offa Compound Names as a Means of Preserving and Promoting Our Cultural Heritage” at the Olofa’s palace. The day will also feature cultural performances, including Rara Sisun and Omosunwo.

The second day, December 27, will showcase a traditional expo in the morning, highlighting traditional attires, drumming, and hairdo styles. The day will culminate in a beauty pageant at Olofa’s palace, followed by a musical concert at the Offa Descendants Union (ODU) open ground, running from 9:00 p.m. until dawn.

The festival will conclude on December 28, 2024, with a grand finale at the Offa Township Stadium, featuring various cultural displays, including symbolic wrestling led by Kabiyesi. The event will be rounded off with a royal dinner at the palace of the Kabiyesi, celebrating Offa’s rich cultural heritage.

The Ijakadi Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration that not only showcases the cultural richness of Offa but also underscores the potential of the cultural and creative sectors in fostering economic development. As the community prepares for this significant event, the commitment to cultural preservation and economic growth remains at the forefront of the festival’s mission.

VON/Trendznigeria