Mariam Akinloye & Olaleye Taiwo (SIWES Student)
The Eweye of Isiu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Olukayode David Raji, JP, has given royal blessings for the commencement of the annual Isiu Eweye Day, which is an annual celebration and a period when sons and daughters of the community, residents and friends come together to embark on developmental projects.
At the declarative event held at the Eweye Palace, the royal father also unveiled the official celebration fabric known in the local parlance as ‘Ankara’, urging residents to patronise the organisers to get theirs for the celebration.
This year’s celebration is themed, “Rebuilding Bonds, Rekindling Dreams”
Joining the Eweye at the declaration and the unveiling, were executives of the Isiu Eweye Development Association (ISEDASS), the body responsible for organising the annual event, representatives of ethnic nationalities and other stakeholders.
Oba David Raji declared at the occasion:
“We give thanks to Almighty God. Another festival has arrived again, and I pray that we will use good health and riches to celebrate it.
“Today, I am giving my royal blessings and officially declaring the 2025 Isiu Eweye Day and also unveiling Ankara for the celebration. This is not an expensive fabric at all and I enjoin everyone in Isiu to buy for the week – long celebration.
“I am very happy that the representatives of Hausa and Fulani community are here and I am charging them and other ethnic nationalities in Isiu to join us in the celebration by mobilising their people to buy the Ankara.”
The royal father furthered, “I hereby declare the commencement of the celebration and Ankara for sale in the name of God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen,”
In his remarks, Otunba Folagbade Musa Banwo, Chairman, ISEDASS, said that the theme reminds residents of Isiu of the need for unity and collaboration in achieving a shared vision.
“It is with great joy, humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to this special occasion – the official declaration of the 2025 Isiu Eweye Day celebration and the unveiling of our official Ankara fabric.
Our theme this year, “Rebuilding Bonds, Rekindling Dreams”, could not have been more fitting.
“In a world that is rapidly changing, we are reminded of the timeless value of unity, collaboration and shared aspirations. This theme is a clarion call to every indigene and friend of Isiu Eweye to come together – to reconnect, to heal and to dream again.”
He thanked the ISEDASS members for their dedication and the entire Isiu residents for their support in the development of the community.
‘To the entire good people of Isiu, your unwavering support, resilience, and passion for development continue to inspire us. You are the reason we keep pushing forward. Every project we have undertaken – from educational support to community infrastructure – has only been possible because of your unity and love for our homeland.
While also commending the leadership of Oba Raji, Otunba Banwo, emphasised that the Ankara fabric signifies Isiu’s hertage, and unity.
“A special note of gratitude goes to our royal father, His Royal Majesty, Oba Olukayode David Raji, JP, The Eweye of Isiu. Kabiyesi, your wisdom, leadership, and support for ISEDASS have been instrumental in guiding our vision. We remain grateful for your constant encouragement and fatherly blessings.
“Today, we proudly unveil the official Ankara fabric for the 2025 Isiu Eweye Day. This beautiful material is more than just clothing – it is a symbol of our heritage, identity and unity. I want to specially thank everyone who participated in the Ankara pre-order exercise. Your early support helped us plan and prepare efficiently.
“To those who are yet to buy theirs, I encourage you to do so without delay. Let us wear our Ankara with pride – as a visible sign of our solidarity and shared dreams. The sooner you purchase, the better prepared you will be for all the exciting events leading up to the main celebration.
“As we declare 2025 Isiu Eweye Day open, let us do so with renewed hope, strengthened relationships and a deeper commitment to building the Isiu of our dreams. Together, we will rebuild bonds. Together, we will rekindle dreams,” Otunba Folagbade Banwo said.
Alhaji Sanni Danbaba, one of the representatives of the Hausa community, pledged his support and that of his community towards the annual celebration.
