Makinde to grace Ipapo Day, union’s golden jubilee celebrations

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and his deputy, Adebayo Lawal, are among dignitaries expected grace the grand finale of Ipapo Day 2022 celebrations and the golden jubilee of the town’s central association, the Ipapo Descendants Union.

A statement signed by the event organisers’ Head, Media/Publicity Committee, Moshood Adebisi, said the final event would take place on Saturday November 5, 2022 after one week-long activities including conferment of chieftaincy titles on distinguished individuals, football matches, quiz competitions and religious interdenominational services.

It noted that the Ipapo Day event had over the years brought about reunion and unification of Ipapo sons and daughters, both at home and in the Diaspora.

“This year’s event will however go a step further; to showcase the ancient town’s economic potential and investment opportunities,” it stated.

Ipapo, an ancient town in the Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, according to the statement, is a fast- growing community that has benefitted immensely from its central geographical location, vast land resources, rich agricultural base and amiable people.

“Ipapo today is a commercial centre that plays key economic role among neighbouring towns, villages and hamlets,” it added.

Meanwhile, Ipapo monarch, the Eleyinpo of Ipapo, Oba Yekeen Ademola Abioye II, has called on enterprising Nigerians and expatriates to see the town as a prime investment location.

Oba Abioye in a speech appealed to those he described as blessed individuals to “come and invest in Ipapo because it is peaceful, hospitable, conducive, friendly, accommodating” and most importantly “accessible to the cities”

President of IDU, Alhaji Jimoh Adebayo, urged the indigenes of Ipapo and Okeogun in general not to abandon their rich tradition and language. He said, “The abandonment of our age-long traditions is the major reason why we are far behind other nations in terms of development and growth.

“All developed nations of the world today: America Britain, China, India, have their traditions as the solid basis of their development.”

Dpeaking on the event, the Chairman, Ipapo Day Planning Committee, Dr Adeola Adepoju, who emphasised the rich history of the town, assured the natives of the town and the guests of adequate preparations, particularly concerning security and logistics.

He said his committee had been working in collaboration with security operatives in the area to ensure a hitch-free event.