As reported by Punch, the Ijakadi Festival, an annual cultural event in Offa, Kwara State, is set to take place from December 26 to 28, 2024, celebrating local culture as a means to drive economic growth in the community.

Dr. Waheed Olagunju, Chairman of the festival’s media and communications committee, confirmed the dates and noted that the event will continue to build on the initiatives introduced by Offa residents in previous years to enhance the festival’s impact.

Dr. Olagunju also emphasized the organisers' dedication to sustaining and promoting cultural heritage, which they see as a catalyst for both community development and cultural appreciation.

According to him, “this year’s Ijakadi Festival, set for December 26 to 28, 2024, has the theme: “Cultural and Creative Sectors: A Vehicle for Economic Growth and Development.

“The festival commences on 26th of December 2024 with joint denominational prayers by Muslim and Christian Clerics to be ably jointly led by our reverred Chief Imam of Offa, Sheik Muideen Abdulsallam and Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria in offa by 10.00am.

This will be followed immediately by this year’s annual lecture titled: “Evolution of Our Offa Compound Names as a Way of Approaching and Promoting Our Cultural Heritage” to be delivered by Dr Lawal .M. Muhammed, holding in the Palace.

“The same day will witness our cultural display of Rara sisun and Omosunwo.

“The second day, being the 27th December, we will host our Traditional Expo, highlighting our traditional attires, drummers and hairdo in the morning whilst later in the evening our Besuty Pageant will hold in the Palace.

“To round off the day’s event will be our much awaited Musical Concert at the premises of ODU open ground from 9.00pm till down.

“The grand finale of the Ijakadi Festival comes up on Saturday, 28th December 2024 at Offa Township Stadium where our rich cultural heritage will be displayed, featuring the Iwode Onilejile Cultural display, and the symbolic wrestling display by Kabiyesi Olofa of Offa, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II.

“The Festival will be rounded off with a grand Royal Dinner at our Kabiyesi’s Palace.

“This year’s Ijakadi Festival promises to be richer and better,” Olagunju assured via the statement.