BY LAW IBITOYE
Sons and daughters of Ilupeju Ekiti on 12 October converged on Catholic Primary School to celebrate Ilupeju Day, 2024 and Launching of #100million Development fund .The celebration which coincided with the two year anniversary of Oba David Sunday Awe AKINGBADE on the throne, showcased the rich culture, tradition, and achievements of the town in the last two years.
The Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti, Oba David Sunday Awe AKINGBADE commended sons and daughters of the town, home and in the diaspora for their love and unweaving support towards the growth and development of Ilupeju Ekiti. The monarch prayed for the progress of his subjects across the globe, saying their well-being is paramount and would impact the town positively .
Oba AKINGBADE who reiterated the importance of home, called on his subjects in the diaspora to come and invest at home. ” Come and invest in Ilupeju, there are expanses of land for whatever you want to venture into, your properties and investment are safe here” I need you to further open the town, it’s my fervent prayers that Almighty God will continue to protect and prosper you” The monarch added.
The monarch appreciated the performing governor of Ekiti state, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji whose imprints he said had increased Ilupeju community development efforts to achieve : Fixing of solar lights to all nooks and crannies of Ilupeju Ekiti, functional health facilities in Ilupeju/Itapa general hospital, Basic health Center ( Maternity), construction of Odoko/ Ugbero road via RAAMP, renovation of Obalatan and Ilupeju High school, provision of stalls and solar powered bore hole at manera market and discovery of tourist centers in Ilupeju Ekiti.
On his part, the National President, of Ilupeju Development Association, (IDA) Mr Banji Ogungbemi appreciated the Governor of Ekiti state, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for the ongoing RAAMP project in Ilupeju Ekiti. His words ” The reconstruction of Odoko road is opening up a new vista of development that will integrate our community with our immediate neighbors- Oye- Imojo- Ayede- Isan where marketers come to Menara Market. That road will boost Agriculture and promote commerce. I was trained a forensic auditor with international touch, we don’t flatter and I am not a politician but I make bold to say your administration has touched and impacted lives of the rural communities ”
The national president added that Ilupeju Ekiti has a cordial relationship with neighbouring towns which necessitated the presence of their monarchs and subjects in the Ilupeju Day celebration, promising to sustain the relationship .
Let me sincerely appreciate our people for their support and sacrifice which has contributed to the modest achievements we have been able to record by IDA under my watch” The president concluded.
Earlier, the chairman of 2024 Ilupeju Day planning committee, Mr Sola Ogunmiluyi had urged the gathering to donate generously towards the launching of #100 million Development Fund . He reiterated that the one week programmes for Ilupeju Day had impacted the subjects.
The Royal father of the Day, HRM Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro, the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti and Chairman Council of Obas in Ekiti state commended Ilupeju Indigenes for their developmental strides and promised to always support them being his mother’s home town. The monarch prayed for the town.
Also, the Oloye of Oye Ekiti, HRM, Sir Michael Oluwole Ademolaju Adugbole 111 had directed all communities in Oye Local Government to work harmoniously for the progress of one another. He congratulated Ilupeju Ekiti for the celebration as he pledged his support for the town.
The town thrilled the guests with OYIGI owned by ILA Quarters, ‘X’ Michael and other local musicians.
Apeju- in Council, Chiefs, different age grades, youths, market women and others were in attendance at the 2024 Ilupeju Day celebrations
Some of the attendees commended
the success of the programme.
Dignitaries at the event include: Royal fathers from: Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Owatapa, Oba Ogundeyi Joseph Olomu, Regent Ayegbaju, Hon Idowu Odebunmi, Member, EkSH, representing Oye Constituency 11, Chairman , Omiye Microfinance bank, Ilupeju Ekiti among others.