2025 Iyara Cultural Day: Kogi SGS Dr Arike Ayoade Advocates for Okun Day Cultural Festival
By Samuel Temiloluwa – Iyara
Lokoja, Nigeria – Dr Arike Ayoade, Secretary to the Kogi State Government, has thrown her weight behind the Okun Day cultural festival celebration.
Speaking at this year’s annual cultural festival of Iyara community in Ijumu Local Government Area, Dr Ayoade, who represented Governor Usman Ododo, highlighted the significance of the festival in promoting unity, cultural heritage, and tourism in Kogi State.
She urged stakeholders to support the celebration, saying it would showcase the rich cultural diversity of the Okun people and foster greater understanding among communities.
Dr Ayoade’s advocacy comes as wake up call for the Okun people to prepare to host annual festival, which will features traditional music, dance, and other cultural displays.
Her support underscores the state government’s commitment to promoting cultural development and community engagement.
Additionally, Dr Ayoade promised to advocate for the upgrading of the Eleta of Iyara to a first-class traditional ruler, citing the community’s significance as the local government headquarters and its production of notable personalities like Senator Smart Adeyemi.
While responding, the Olujumu of Ijumu land, His Royal Majesty, Oba William Ayeni, who is the Vice Chairman of Okun Area Traditional Council, commended the SGS for her patriotism and foresight, stressing that the Okun Traditional Council, under the leadership of His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, is already working on an initiative to bring the entire Okun nation together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the people.
