‎By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja

‎‎Penultimate Saturday, the people of Iyara community in Ijumu council area of Kogi State celebrated their annual cultural day with an artistic display. The young, old, men and women attended the event, which was held at the township square. They all gathered to demonstrate the cultural heritage of the land.

‎‎The day was not just for entertainment but also a meaningful retrospect that highlighted the significance of the past struggle, and cultural appreciation.

‎‎The vibrant Iyara community nestled in the heart of Ijumu fertile land comes alive once every year with colors, sounds, and a spirit of unity during its Cultural Day, but this year was not merely a festival; it was a powerful catalyst for reconciliation, love, and progress, deeply woven into the fabric of the community’s identity.

‎‎The day dawns with an incredible burst of energy as women don resplendent Yoruba attires steeped in symbolism, while men adorn themselves with traditional beads, and fabrics that narrate histories dating back centuries. The air was thick with the scent of food and spices, mingling with the rhythmic drumbeats and hunter’s gunshot that call every villager from their homes.

‎‎Beyond the vibrant displays of dance, music, and art lies the essence of Cultural Day — a sacred opportunity to mend fractured relationships. Many years back, as told by O2 – the musician who entertained the gathering before the program commenced, the communities were divided along clannish lane. The series of misunderstandings and disputes between warring clans had cast shadows on the community’s cohesion. Yet, as the community gathered this year under the different tents in the community square, their faces etched with wisdom, they became the heart of the proceedings.

‎‎The cultural program started with the parade of the four clans that made up the Iyara community – Ona, Ilupa, Otun, and Araromi. Each clan dances round the arena to greet the king and other invited monarchs. The clans had buried stories of past grievances and now move with pride, voiced in poetic narratives and songs. The cultural day was not a forum of blame —it was a collective embrace of vulnerability. The younger generation watches closely, absorbing lessons of resilience and forgiveness as the elders’ exchange handshakes and embrace in harmony.

‎‎The monarch’s wife called Olori follows suit, then clubs, Associations and chiefs before the resplendent Masquerades that commands the attention of the gathering. 

‎‎In one poignant moment, a small girl dressed in native marriage attire, carrying prepared marriage items, surrounded by older women danced her way across the arena. She moved piously towards the king as the ‘New bride”. Every year, the king is blessed with a ‘new bride, showcasing the joy and significant of marriage hood’

‎‎Iyara story is recounted in a traditional ballad or Anthem that moves even the stoic bystanders to cheers, reigniting hope that personal connections can pave the way for communal healing. The anthem reinvigorates the prospect of embracing communism as a means for development.

‎‎Beyond reconciliation, Iyara Cultural Day ignites a shared vision for development. This year the community seeks N250 million fundraising for communal projects. 

‎‎National president of Iyara Development Association (IDA), Dr. Aliyu Badaki said this about the Day, “This epoch-making ceremony is a day for all Iyara sons and daughters as well as our friends to come together and showcase our culture and how it makes us one united entity. One unique thing about Iyara Cultural Day is that it is purely cultural and it reminds us of our special delicacies, language and mode of dressing as well as a time where different tribes join us to celebrate under one programme. We celebrate our language, customs and values that bind us together. It symbolizes our unity and strength as it is our way of revitalizing our cultural practices, promoting our language and preserving our history.

‎‎”Also, we must be reminded that as part of 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.

‎‎”As you all know that the development of any society cannot be left in the hands of the government alone, only if we want to move forward and that is why we adopted this programme to gather resources together to enable us embark on critical projects that will have direct positive impact on the lives of our people. 

‎‎”Unfortunately, the present security challenges from kidnapping, banditry, etc have lowered our developmental drive as a bunch of the funds realized is being expended on security.”

‎‎Also, the Director General of Iyara Cultural Day, Samuel Olorundare lent his voice to the issue of security, “The town Iyara must be secured. There’s no gainsaying the fact that security of lives and properties is expensive; our children must go to school, and we want it to be with comfort; our hospitals need maintenance. It is in the light of above that we appeal to you to donate generously to the development fund.”

‎‎The paramount ruler of the community, the Eleta Oluyara of Iyara, Oba Jacob Meduteni called on the people to lend their contribution to the community, “We all know that we must take things in our own hands; if we are not to wait indefinitely till any of the three tiers of government is ready to assist us. As you must have observed, we face a lot of challenges both developmentally, security and culture, and funds are needed to face these challenges. We want to plead for your generosity towards us by donating handsomely, for the development of our homeland.”

‎‎Across the arena, local entrepreneurs seized the moment to share innovative ideas, turning age-old crafts into sustainable ventures.

‎‎Workshops led by community leaders explore ways to harness traditional knowledge alongside modern technology—agriculture experts discuss improved farming techniques. This blending of past and present reflects the community’s commitment to growth without losing sight of its roots.

‎‎The day culminates in a raffle draw where lucky winners go home with chairs, bags of rice, and other consumables. From the tiniest child to the oldest elder, laughter and storytelling echo late into the evening, affirming that unity and progress are born from shared experiences and mutual respect.

‎The 2025 Cultural Day was more than a celebration—it is the living soul of a community that chooses love over division, dialogue over silence, and collaboration over conflict. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of tradition when embraced with open hearts and visionary purpose.