By Prisca Sam-Duru & Esther Faroye

ALL is now set for the annual Ijakadi Day Festival which comes up on December 26,  2011.

In a bid to generate revenue and at the same time, create job opportunities for the people of Offa, the Olofa of Offa kingdom, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi Okikiola Esuwoye II, and  Offa descendants Union are set to celebrate  the Ijakadi day in grand style.

Oba Gbadamosi who simply stated his reasons for being so passionate about the festival and the reasons for his firm support of the festival, noted, “The festival is no doubt a

veritable source to further open Offa town to visitors and investment opportunities in order to empower the people. Ijakadi which means traditional wrestling is a socio-cultural festival, celebrated to attract tourism support for the town.”

Speaking further he said that Offa people, are known with the appellation, Ijakadi Loro Offa, a Yoruba phrase meaning “wrestling is our game,” which was a major reason the leadership of the town are making concerted efforts to keep the heritage alive by introducing newer activities to make it more attractive.

“The ancient tradition for which the town is known is wrestling. Right now, we have in the offing, a program that will provide the people a platform to showcase the entire cultural heritage to the outside world.  What we are looking at is doing something that would not only sustain the cultural lifestyles of our people, but an event that would also boost tourism and increase revenue to both the state and the people”, He said.

Some of the activities for the event which will run till 29th of October, include; a road show parading the five districts of Offa in their colours, the Arewa Offa beauty pageant(a competition in search of the traditional Offa woman), a food expo: an exposition of different dishes and produce of the Sweet Potato(Offa’s main food produce); and of course the Ijakadi (Traditional Wrestling) which will commence at the district level with a Grand Finale on the final day.

The high point of the show will be a wrestling match between His Royal Majesty, the Olofa of Offa and The Essa of Offa.