Senator Ashiru Donates N5million at Igbomina Day Celebration, 

The Deputy Senate Leader and Senator representing Kwara South Senatorial District, Senator Oyelola Ashiru on Saturday chaired 2024 Igbomina Day Celebration held in Iludun-Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

At the event, which brought together members of the Igbomina community and dignitaries, Senator Ashiru announced a donation of N5 million to support the occasion.

The Igbomina Day Celebration, a cherished cultural event, seeks to raise N500 million for the construction of an ultramodern Igbomina Plaza in Ganmo and for enhancing the Igbomina Community Radio, a vital institution for promoting local culture and communication.

In his speech, Senator Ashiru reaffirmed his commitment to revitalizing the Igbomina Radio by promising to deliver a new transmitter very soon.

He also announced plans to construct a hall at the radio station premises to serve as a cultural center. It would be recalled that Senator Ashiru had conducted an on-site assessment of the facility conducted in September 2024.

Continuing his address, Senator Ashiru expressed his passion for education in Igbomina land by pledging to inject at least N100 million into revitalizing his alma mater, Esie Iludun Anglican Grammar School, which he attended in 1968.

Reflecting on the importance of the Igbomina Day celebration, Senator Ashiru stated, “I am deeply honored to stand before you as the chairman of this year’s Igbomina Day celebration. Today, we gather to celebrate the rich cultural heritage that binds us together. We are here to showcase the best of our culture, from mesmerizing dances to delectable cuisine, reflecting our commitment to preserving and innovating our traditions.”

He emphasized the need to safeguard the Igbomina cultural identity in an era of modernization, noting, “It is regrettable that we are fast losing this unique identity through the over-modernization of our ways of life. In the last century, Igbomina people dominated commerce across Lagos, Kwara, and beyond. However, we did not sufficiently invest in the education of our children or establish a cohesive Igbomina nation to sustain our commercial acumen.”

Senator Ashiru urged the community to right historical shortcomings by leveraging cultural tourism and entrepreneurship to drive economic growth.

He also emphasized the importance of preserving the Igbomina dialect, which he noted is at risk of extinction. “Inter-generational collaboration is crucial for cultural continuity,” he said, expressing his commitment to reviving Igbomina Radio to serve this purpose.

Additionally, he proposed an expansion of the Igbomina Plaza project to include a Hall of Fame and Research Center, transforming it into a hub for cultural renaissance. Recognizing the importance of peaceful coexistence with neighboring communities, Senator Ashiru stressed that the Igbomina must work collaboratively with the Ekiti and Ibolo people to foster unity and prosperity in Kwara South.

In his concluding remarks, Senator Ashiru expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the event.

The Igbomina Day Celebration stands as a testament to the resilience and cultural pride of the Igbomina people, who continue to strive for unity, development, and the preservation of their rich heritage.