By Olurotimi Phillip
Igbaruku community was filled with excitement as dignitaries from all over the globe gathered to celebrate the 2025 Igbaruku Day.
The event was a grand occasion marked with felicitations, celebration, thanksgiving, and gratitude to the Almighty God.
On Saturday, April 19th, 2025, the people of Igbaruku community in Yagba West local government area, Kogi West Senatorial District, came together to commemorate their Community Anniversary Day.
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The annual celebration was graced by esteemed guests from various sectors including the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, Corporate, Professional, Political, and Public service elite of the nation.
Among the distinguished guests was the executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade AyoAde Arike.
The presence of such esteemed individuals added to the grandeur of the event and highlighted the significance of Igbaruku Day in the community.
Speaking at the well attended ceremony, the SGS on behalf of the state Government promised to ensure that the Link Road between Odo-Ere and Igbaruku community receives immediate government attention for it’s speedy rehabilitation and construction.
She, said, the governor is passionate about spreading equal and quality development to every part of the state and the community is one of the dearest to the governor because of the vital role being played by their illustrious son , the state commissioner for Environment and Ecological development, Engineer Oluwasegun Joseph.
Making his welcome address, the National President of Igbaruku Oke-eri Development Association, Elder Olusegun Ogunkolo, emphasised that it is unity, hard work, dedication, passionate sacrifices and commitment to the wellbeing of Igbaruku community, that is the driving force behind the successful celebration of the community.
He added that the event was geared towards attracting meaningful development to the community and to galvanizes social and infrastructural projects to their native home, from both the government and well-meaning individuals and corporate/ professional bodies.
He reiterated that the significant aspect of the celebration is to showcase the rich cultural heritage of his people to the world and connect the younger generation to their ancestral roots through traditions, native delicacies and customs.
He, promised that the Community Development Association, under his leadership would continue to strive for excellence and advancement of Igbaruku land, until it attain its pride of place amongst the leading communities in Yagba West local government area of kogi State.
The Royal Father of Igbaruku Community, the Onigbaruku of Igbaruku, His Royal Highness, Oba Engineer J.O Babalola, who expressed great delight over the successful outcome of the occasion.
He revealed that some of the striking futures of the celebration includes successful discharge of responsibility by socio-trado- cultural committee, saddle with the function of sensitising the Youths and the women folks on the importance of rejuvenating the community socio-traditional heritage for the good of the people and humanity at large.
The Kabiyesi expressed admiration over the display of “Aagn and Aare cultural dances”, and the physical display of some of their traditional delicacies, medical presentations and “Awards of Excellence” to individuals who have displayed outstanding leadership prowess.
Similarly, the Olu of Okeri land, His Royal Majesty, Oba J.J Falope, revealed that the purpose of the significant event is deeply rooted in the historical and environmental growth of Igbaruku Okeri and the broader Okeri community.
In his words, “I am thrilled to witness the cultural performances showcasing the beauty of our traditions. These displays are not just a celebration but also an important way to connect the younger generation to our cultural heritage, ensuring that they understand the values and customs that shape our community.”
In the same vain, the Chairman of Igbaruku Okeri Community Development Association, Chief Richard Asaje, called for unity, resilience and continuous progress within the community, urging sons and daughters of Igbaruku kingdom, political leaders, successful individuals to join hands with the association towards a brighter future.
Chief Asaje promised that as the chairman of the Igbaruku Okeri Development Association he would continue to listen, to lead and to deliver. “I will work tirelessly to ensure that your voices are heard, your concerns are addressed, and your ideas are turned into actions.
“We are people of vision and every step we have taken is in actualizing our dreams to make Igbaruku – Okeri community a kingdom, where the atmosphere is favourable, where people raise above limitations, where roads are motorable, street are light up, infrastructure facilities are built and maintained, this is the modern city of our dreams”, He concluded.
The state commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Faruk Yahaya and the Director General of Kogi State Utility and infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency, Honorable Taufiq Isa, were part of dignitaries that Gracie the occasion.
