The ancient town of Iragbiji is set aglow with festivities and pride as it celebrates its 33rd Annual Iragbiji Day Celebration, a revered event that brings together illustrious sons and daughters of the land in a grand display of culture, history, and achievements. Organized by the Iragbiji Development Association (IDA), the week-long programme commenced with the Iragbiji Honours and Awards Ceremony at Muraina Oyelami Hall on Friday, November 15, 2024.
Under the auspices of His Royal Majesty, Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi Odundun IV, the ceremony honored distinguished indigenes whose contributions span diverse fields such as academia, commerce, arts, administration, and technology.
The prestigious event, presided over by Otunba Abdur-Wahab Adewoyin, Chair of the Iragbiji Honours and Awards Committee, highlighted the enduring commitment of the community to recognize and celebrate excellence among its people.
The honorees included an impressive array of achievers, such as:
1. Chief Muraina Oyelami, veteran visual artist, drummer and thespian.
2. Alhaji Bisi Olaboopo, Provost of Pathfinder College of Health Technology, Iragbiji,
3. Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, Executive Director (Operations) of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA
4. Qs. Adesoye Aderemi Idowu
5. Prof. Babatunde Adeniyi Adeyemi, from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
6. Prof. Adebayo Badmos, from the United Arab Emirate (UAE).
7. Prof. Yidiat Omolade Aderinto, Reader in the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
8. Prof. Tajudeen K. Ajiboye, Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
9. Prof. Moruf Sanjo Oladimeji
10. Miss Mariam Oyindamola Ohun making, who recently finished as “Overall Best Graduating Student” at the University of Osun (UNIOSUN)
11. Miss Khadijat Kofoworola Adebayo, who graduated as “Best Student in the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Lagos (UNILAG)
12. Mr. Akinola Ridwan Temitope, Chief Executive Officer of Sefrel Technologies, Abuja
13. Alhaji Adejumo Abdulwasiu Opeyemi, The Chief Executive Officer, Fortunate Bakery Group
Each awardee was meticulously selected for their outstanding achievements and contributions that have elevated the profile of Iragbiji both nationally and globally.
Their efforts reflect the community’s values of dedication, hard work, and resilience.
In his keynote address, Oba Olabomi emphasized the role of motivation as a driving force in achieving excellence within human societies.
“The conferment of honorary titles, public recognition, and royal prayers has served as a longstanding tradition for inspiring hard work and healthy competition among Iragbiji sons and daughters,” stated Oba Olabomi.
He further recounted the milestones achieved under his leadership since ascending to the throne in 2008, particularly through his focused agenda of fostering community development via the strategic utilization of Iragbiji’s human resources.
The revered monarch highlighted the historical evolution of recognition initiatives in Iragbiji, noting significant past honorees, including Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, former Osun State Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, whose contributions were recently immortalized through the naming of Iragbiji’s Kelebe Road as “Adegboyega Oyetola Way.”
Oba Olabomi reiterated his commitment to celebrating excellence to inspire further accomplishments among the youth and future leaders of Iragbiji.
Addressing the award recipients, Otunba Abdur-Wahab Adewoyin, the Chair of the Honours and Awards Committee, congratulated them for their invaluable contributions and encouraged them to continue to uplift Iragbiji through their respective endeavors.
“Your achievements are a beacon of inspiration for us all,” Adewoyin remarked.
He also highlighted the commitment of the IDA and the Palace to making such events a regular affair to encourage and showcase the successes of Iragbiji’s vast pool of talents.
A particular moment of pride for the community came during the acknowledgment of young achievers, including Miss Mariam Oyindamola Ohunmakin and Miss Khadijat Kofoworola Adebayo, whose academic prowess is a testament to the promising future of Iragbiji’s next generation.
The week-long festivities are set to culminate with a grand finale today, November 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., where His Royal Majesty, Oba Olabomi, will act as the Royal Host, and Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola will serve as the Principal Host.
The grand finale promises to be a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and collective achievements, marking yet another milestone in the town’s rich history.
As Iragbiji continues to thrive and evolve, its dedication to recognizing and rewarding excellence remains steadfast. The annual celebration is a testament to the town’s resolve to honor its heritage, while nurturing a future of greater aspirations and achievements. With prayers and support from community leaders and elders, Iragbiji marches forward as a beacon of culture, unity, and resilience within Osun State and beyond.
