The Chairman of the Media and Communications Committee for the annual Ijakadi Festival in Offa, Kwara State, Aare Waheed Olagunju, stated that the festival is dedicated to using culture as a catalyst for the community's economic growth and development.

Commenting on this year's edition, the committee chairman, Olagunju, revealed that the organizers are committed to maintaining the momentum initiated by Offa indigenes last year.

Olagunju announced that this year's Ijakadi Festival, set for December 26 to 28, 2024, will be themed “Cultural and Creative Sectors: A Vehicle for Economic Growth and Development.”

“In our usual tradition of using culture to propel economic growth and development this year's theme aptly captures our drive to sustain the momentum started last year”, he said.

The organizers announced that the festival will begin on December 26, 2024, with inter-denominational prayers led jointly by the Chief Imam of Offa, Sheikh Muideen Abdulsallam, and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Offa, starting at 10:00 a.m.

Olagunju stated that following the prayers, an annual lecture titled “Evolution of Our Offa Compound Names as a Means of Preserving and Promoting Our Cultural Heritage” will be delivered by Dr. Lawal Muhammed at the Olofa's palace.

“That same day will feature cultural performances of Rara Sisun and Omosunwo.”

“Second day, December 27, 2024 will host traditional expo highlighting our traditional attires, drummers and hairdo in the morning, while the BEAUTY PAGEANT will hold in the evening at Olofa's palace.

The day's events will conclude with the highly anticipated musical concert at the Offa Descendants Union (ODU) open ground, taking place from 9:00 p.m. until dawn.

The grand finale of the Ijakadi Festival will take place on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the Offa Township Stadium, showcasing our vibrant cultural heritage.

*Iwode Onilejile

*Cultural display

*Symbolic wrestling display by Kabiyesi.

The Festival will be rounded off with a grand ROYAL DINNER at our Kabiyesi's Palace”.