The National Headquarters of the Offa Descendants Union (ODU) has unveiled a packed calendar of events to mark the 2025 Ijakadi Festival Special Edition and the 90th anniversary of the union, with a week-long celebration lined up to showcase culture, development and community bonding in Offa, Kwara State.
According to a statement signed by the ODU Directorate of Publicity, Comrade Taofeek Olaosebikan, and dated December 16, 2025, activities will commence on Sunday, December 21, with a Christmas Carol service scheduled for 4pm at the ODU National Secretariat in Offa.
The celebrations will continue on Wednesday, December 24, with the Ijakadi Sports Competition featuring football and volleyball matches.
The sporting events will take place at Zeems Sports Arena, Offa, between 3pm and 7pm.
Friday, December 26, has been set aside for a full day of cultural displays, beginning with the Ijakadi Road Show by 8am, taking off from Ogidiri.
The day will also feature Moremi modern twist and Apala musical performances in the afternoon at the Olofa’s Palace.
Other highlights include the Ijakadi stage play and Ewi chanting by 5pm, as well as Rara Sisun and an Arewa cultural contest, all at the Olofa’s Palace.
The high point of the anniversary comes up on Saturday, December 27, with three major activities slated for the day at the ODU Hall and its premises between 10am and 5pm.
These include a symposium with keynote addresses by Dr Mrs Sarah Alade, OON, and retired Justice Banji Orilonise; the launch of a N1bn appeal fund for the development of a renal centre, Police B Division and a fire service station; and the presentation of awards recognising excellence, service and outstanding achievements.
Participants at the daytime events are expected to appear in white traditional attire, including buba and sokoto, agbada or dansiki, complemented with green native caps customised for ODU @ 90.
Later in the evening, an ODU/Ijakadi musical concert will hold by 8pm at the ODU premises.
Attendees are expected to appear in customised ODU @ 90 T-shirts and caps, with further enquiries directed to the Global Social Secretary, Muideen Oladipo Imos.
Activities will round off on Sunday, December 28, with the commissioning of the Omo Offa Nimi Project by noon behind the Offa Local Government Secretariat.
This will be followed by the union’s Annual General Conference and AGM, tagged “Apero,” scheduled for 2pm at the ODU Big Hall.
The ODU said the anniversary and festival are aimed at celebrating Offa’s rich cultural heritage while also mobilising support for critical community development projects.
