IYAMOYE COMMUNITY SHOWCASES HER RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE
By
Olorunmaiye Joel
National Secretary General, Iyamoye Development Union (IDU)
Culture is the character of high spirited group of people bond with one another by creation, share values and love, exemplifies in the ways they relate, tell their stories, express their values, celebrate and entertain themselves as well as their Guests. Culture brings out the creativity inherent in the life of a people, which define who they are and helps them see the universe through the eyes of other people.
Culture most often symbolize a broader representation of the entire ways of life consisting of their value orientation, shared ideas and beliefs on morality, which often shape expected behaviours, ways of doing things and how the people act towards one another.
The historic people of Iyamoye, are rich in culture and values. The town of Iyamoye, which is located in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State can never be exempted from showcasing their rich cultural heritage therefore, it is expedient that the town demonstrates their rich cultures, abundant natural resources potentials and productive quality of human resources to the world. The main occupation of the people like their sister communities around them are predominantly agriculture with craft and trade in the minor.
The vegetable is a mix of forest and savanah, hence suitable for growing variety of cash crops such as coffee, kola nuts, cocoa cashew and other crops i.e cashew, yam, maize, sweet potatoes etc. The vibrant Iyamoye people are hospitable, a virtue that makes them distinguished and well-liked by other people more than other communities around them. People from different parts of Nigeria reside and build their houses in the Community.
The Community had on several occasions attempted to showcase their rich Cultural values during the annual Iyamoye Day celebration, however, not much impact have been felt on the community, not much attention had been received from individuals and government. Infact, attendance of Guests have not been encouraging.
This trend has been observed and obviously needs serious review in order to make the annual event productive, attractive and appreciated by attendees, personalities and government officials.
Therefore, the recently inaugurated administration of Iyamoye Development Union National Executive Committee led by their National President Alhaji Adeyemi Abubakar Shittu after due consultation resolved to showcase the rich Cultural heritage of this ancient town of Iyamoye in a new fashion. This laudable idea has since received the express approval of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ibrahim Ademiluyi Momoh, the Amuwajoye 1, the Obaro of Iyamoye and his Traditional Council.
To this end, the general populace, political class and stakeholders in Culture and Creative Arts are hereby put on notice about this development for support, performance and to grace the occasion.
The date of the two (2) day event tagged: *Iyamoye Cultural day* have been scheduled for 29th-30th September, 2023, to be held on the proposed Obaro’s Palace ground, Iyamoye.
We encourage all sons and daughters of Iyamoye to ensure that the event is widely popularized among friends, associates and well meaning Nigerians both at home and in diaspora to attend and support the event.
We appeal to government at all levels to consider the event as part of efforts of the good people of Iyamoye to promote and sustain tourism industry in Nigeria and Kogi State especially. Tourism has been adjudged as a veritable tool for revenue generation. It has the capacity to generate revenue up to N2 trillion annually in Nigeria, if properly harnessed.
