The Iyara Development Association (IDA) said its cultural and event, held at the weekend, was targeted at promoting the culture of the people and raising funds for community projects.
In his welcome address, Alhaji Aliyu Badaki, President of the IDA, said the event was to promote unity in diversity as Iyara people know and understand the differences and similarities between their cultures and other cultures.
“One unique thing about Iyara Cultural Day is that it is purely original,” Badaki said adding, “The day celebrates Iyara unique culture, cuisines, language and fashion. We celebrate our language, customs and values that bind us together.”
Badaki, also the Board of Trustees Chairman and former National President of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN), said the day symbolised the Iyara people’s unity and strength to revitalise their cultural practices, promote their language, and preserve their history.
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“As we roll out drums to celebrate, we must be reminded that it is part of our efforts to ensure that our culture and tradition does not go into extinction.
“We must empower our young generation through cultural education, foster unity among our communities, and showcase Iyara culture locally and globally,” he said.
According to him, the event is aimed at raising N250 million for community development, which will see interventions across sectors such as education, health, water, electricity and security.
“It is no longer news that the development of any society cannot be left in the hands of the government alone only if we want to move forward.
“That is why we have adopted this event to pull resources together to enable us to embark on critical projects that will have a direct positive impact on the lives of our people,” he said.
The hospitality management expert, however, regretted the security challenges pervading the community, including kidnapping, banditry and herders attacks, saying these have retarded the community’s developmental drive.
“The chunk of the funds realised through community efforts and support from well-wishers are being expended on security.”
He, therefore, appealed to Kogi State governor, Ahmed Ododo to support the people of Iyara in confronting the security challenges headlong.
The Eleta Oluyara of Iyara land, Oba Jacob Meduteni, in his remarks, paid tributes to the founding fathers of Iyara ancestors, saying their “Resilience and unique traditions have shaped our identity”
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