The people of Iju Community in Akure Noth Local Government Area, comprising sons and daughters from home and abroad with non-natives who are of various ethnic nationalities across Nigeria have gathered to celebrate Iju Day 2023.

Iju Day usually celebrated on the first Saturday in November every year, attracted guests and friends of the ancient town from all walks of life to join in the renewal of commitments at making Iju greater and better to live in.

Guests at the Year 2003 Iju Day could not hide their joy as they applauded the people on their spirit of oneness and self-help with unrelenting desire to advance development of the town with the execution of different projects which they freely supported with their handsome donations.

Chairman of the day, Dr. (Barrister) Olumuyiwa Adu, who lauded past self- actualised achievements of the people of Iju, called for more collaborations among them to achieve more developmental strides.

“Iam here to rejoice with my people. This is a town where I spent my early school days. I cannot easily forget the influence of Iju on my life.

I will appeal to the people of Iju to continue to improve on their bond of love and unity so as to attract greater developments”,the Chairman said.

In his address, the National President of Iju Progressive Union, IPU, Mr Akin Oluwalade said the annual event has remained a forum for indigenes and non-indigenes of Iju with their friends to gracefully relish the cultural heritage of the town and raise funds for her socio-economic development.

“I wish to appreciate all sons and daughters of Iju, far and near, who not only make it to this year’s celebration but equally contributed significantly to the #250Million Fund-raising target for this year”, the President said.

Among other programmes that made Year 2023 Iju Day greatly unique included; Paying of Traditional Homage to the Okiti of Iju, His Royal Majesty, Oba Amos Farukanmi by all quarters , different ethnic nationalities resident in the town, artisan groups and Iju Youths.

Other programmes were the presentation of Football trophies and cash gifts to the Winner of Iju Day, Football Match won by Imu Quarters and their runners-up; the conferment of the chieftaincy title of Bobagunwa on Prince Oyedele Oni, a US-based philanthropist, by the Okiti of Iju.

Highpoint of the event was the special prayers by His Royal Majesty Oba Amos Farukanmi for the Chairman of the occasion, Dr (Barrister) Olumuyiwa Adu; the Chief Launcher, Barrister Temilolu Adamolekun; the new Bobagunwa Chief Oyedele Oni, guests; sons and daughters with non-indigenes resident in the town.

Among other dignitaries who made it to the event were the Ogbolu of Itaogbolu, Oba Idowu Faborode; the Ondo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Honourable Bamidele Ologunloluwa who was represented by Chief Oluwatuyi; Religious leaders; the Chairman of Iju Community Development Association, Chief (Dr) Joseph Adamolekun; Immediate past President of Iju Progressive Union, Mr Ayodele Jeje; High Chiefs and Chiefs across quarters in Iju with special delegations from all branches of Iju Progressive Union Worldwide.