The people of Iju Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State have resolved to make this year’s Iju Day Celebration unique such that it would be memorable for both guests and indigenes of the town.

Addressing a Press Conference to outline activities that will make Iju Day 2023 glamorous at Iju Utility Centre, the National President of Iju Progressive Union, IPU, Mr Akin Oluwalade said the town has unrivalled agrain potentials which the event would boost through sales of agricultural inputs.

He said there will be “sales of various authentic and genuine agrochemicals to farmers at subsidized rates. These chemicals will include, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides as well as farm tools like cutlasses, hoes and files to boost food production in the town.

According to the IPU National President, Iju has some exciting cultural values beyond her dances and dresses but which are embedded in the spirit of oneness and self-help of the people.

“Once Iju people are determined to execute a developmental project, everyone gets committed to it. Through communal efforts, Iju was the first town around here to have electricity in the 70s.

“Our elders few of whom are here, contributed their hard-earned resources to ensure that Iju was the first town around the whole area now called Akure North and several parts of Akure South to have had electricity. It was awesome!

“Here we don’t believe Government can do everything. Hence we do alot of community self-help to develop ourselves. Our forefathers imbued into us the spirit of hard-work to enable us meet up with development around us.

“Therefore we are using Iju Day 2023 to rejuvenate all these values”, the President declared.

Mr Akin Oluwalade said prominent sons and daughters of the town are equally leveraging on their vast relationships with men and women of means to come and honour the town with their generous donations to the #250 Million Fundraising that will catalyse development in the town to a higher realm.

“We will be launching, Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N250,000,000) only for developmental projects within the community. This aspect is very important as community development cannot be left in the hands of government alone and Iju town has always been in the forefront of community self-help.

“Personalities being expected at the occasion include: the Ondo State Governor of Ondo State Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON; the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu and members of the State Executive Council with our lawmakers at the National and State Assemblies and other political appointees and friends of the community.

“The Day will be Chaired by a renowned Legal Luminary, industrialist, philanthropist of international repute and politician – Hon. (Barr) Olumuyiwa Adu. The Chief Launcher will be Barrister Temilolu Adamolekun, our illustrious son, to be supported by other prominent Co-Launchers.

“The Chief Host, Senator Tayo Alasoadura will be on hand to welcome all guests while the Honourable Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Ondo State, Hon. Dele Ologun will equally be a special guest”, he said.

Personalities at the Press Conference include : the Osemawe of Iju, High Chief Aarinola Enikanoselu; Chairman of Iju Progressive Union, Headquarters, Engr. Tunde Fagbuyi; Iju Community Development Council, ICDC, Evangelist Solomon Ogunbuyide; Chairman Palace Building Committee, Chief Dipe Adegboye; Mr Kunle Olotu ; Mr Ajayi Ore, Hon Tayo Fayanju and the Youth Leader Deji Ogundeji.

Some of the IPU National Officers who joined the President to the Press Conference include: General Secretary, Mr Tayo Adaramodu; Treasurer, Hon. Caroline Ogunsusi; Assistant Secretary, Mrs Tosin Falebita and Publicity Secretary Taiwo Ajayi.

Iju Day 2023 will climax on Saturday 4th November, 2023 at L.A Primary School Grounds Iju.