The Iwude Ijesa Unity Carnival is increasingly becoming a platform for community development, as Ijesa social groups and associations, popularly known as Elegbejegbes, respond to calls to support their communities through meaningful projects.
One of the groups putting this vision into action is Egbe Tiwalade Obinrin Adimula of Ijesaland, which has donated 250 school bags, exercise books, pencils and erasers to pupils in five primary schools across Ilare-Ijesa and Otan-Ile communities in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State.
The educational support was provided under the group's 2026 Helping Hands Empowerment Programme, aimed at easing the burden on parents and giving young pupils better access to essential learning materials.
The outreach also reflected the commitment of Ijesa sons and daughters in the diaspora to the development of their homeland, as some members of the association travelled from the United States to participate in the programme.
Leading the delegation were the President, Yeye Folake Adekunle Fagbeja, and the Iyalode Egbe, Chief Mrs Funso Bello.
Five Primary Schools Benefit from the Outreach
The group visited five primary schools in the two communities, distributing the educational materials to pupils and bringing encouragement to both teachers and school administrators.
The beneficiary schools were:
St. Francis RCM Primary School, Ilare-Ijesa, headed by Mrs A. T. Oyebamiji.
Methodist Primary School, Ilare-Ijesa, headed by Mr Oluwasegun Fagbile.
Inigbo Methodist Primary School, Otan-Ile, headed by Mrs S. M. Sanusi.
Nawar Ud Deen Primary School, Otan-Ile, headed by Mrs R. M. Agbabiaka.
Imuo Methodist Primary School, Otan-Ile, headed by Mrs Yemisi Esther Ogunuemi.
At Ilare-Ijesa, the group was received by the Olori of Ilare, Olori Toyin Adejoro Owalare, who attended as a special guest.
Members of the association present included Yeye Morenikeji Babalola, Welfare Officer; Yeye Bukola Oyebode, popularly known as Ebony; and Yeye Olaniyi Bolatito.
Also present were Yeye Yetunde Fadare of Bobakeye Obinrin Diamond, Mr Oladimeji Lasore, Co-Chairman of the Elegbejegbe Projects Monitoring and Supervising Sub-Committee of the Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee, and Mr Kolapo, Assistant Administrative Officer at the Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee Secretariat.
From Cultural Celebration to Community Development
The effort by Egbe Tiwalade Obinrin Adimula reflects the growing vision of the Iwude Ijesa Unity Carnival as more than an annual cultural celebration.
The initiative began to take shape in 2024 when the rebranded Iwude Ijesa Unity Carnival introduced the "One Society, One Tangible Project" concept.
The idea was to encourage every Elegbejegbe in Ijesaland to use its membership, resources and influence to carry out at least one meaningful project that would benefit its community.
Under this approach, societies are encouraged to identify local needs and provide practical solutions. Such projects may include renovating schools, improving health centres, constructing rural roads, providing solar-powered electricity and supporting access to clean water.
The goal is to ensure that every society contributes to the development of Ijesaland according to its strength and available resources.
Leadership Behind the Rebranded Carnival
The rebranding of the Iwude Ijesa Unity Carnival was championed by the planning committee led by Chief Afolabi Igbaroola as Chairman and Alagba Wale Idowu as Vice Chairman.
Under their leadership, the traditional Saturday Iwude celebration was expanded to include a Sunday Unity Carnival, creating more opportunities for Ijesa people, social groups and community organisations to participate in the annual event.
The new approach has also given Elegbejegbes a platform to demonstrate their commitment to community welfare through projects that provide lasting benefits to the people.
Giving the Festival a Lasting Impact
The donation of 250 school bags and learning materials by Egbe Tiwalade Obinrin Adimula is a practical example of how the vision of the Iwude Ijesa Unity Carnival can improve the lives of ordinary people.
Beyond the excitement of cultural displays, social gatherings and the celebration of Ijesa heritage, the initiative encourages societies to measure their achievements by the positive changes they bring to their communities.
The participation of members from the United States also highlights the importance of diaspora involvement in community development and the need for Ijesa people, both at home and abroad, to work together for the progress of their homeland.
With the "One Society, One Tangible Project" concept gaining attention, the Iwude Ijesa Unity Carnival is helping to promote a culture of service, cooperation and shared responsibility across Ijesaland.
The bigger vision is to make every edition of Iwude Ijesa not only a celebration of the rich history and identity of the Ijesa people but also an opportunity to record fresh achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure and other areas of community development.
The message is clear: Iwude Ijesa is not only about celebrating our heritage; it is also about giving back and building a better future for Ijesaland.
More Photos:
Coverage script ✍️ camera 📸 Credit: Oladimeji Lasore (+2347035105413 [email protected])
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