Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye
The Ibeshe Kingdom Development Association (IKIDASS), has set down a list of ambitious projects to be accomplished in its second year while also giving account of its stewardship in the last one year.
Agenda for further development of Ibeshe community were unveiled on Tuesday by IKIDASS while also announcing date and programmes of events for the celebration of the second edition of Ibeshe Kingdom Annual Festival at a press conference held at the Ibeshe Town Hall, Ibeshe
This year’s edition of the festival holding between December 7th and 13th, 2026, is themed, “One Community, Many Hands”
Unveiling the ambitious agenda at the event also attended by the Olubeshe of Ibeshe, His Royal Majesty, Oba Richard Abayomi Ogunsanya, his chiefs and stakeholders in Ibeshe, Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya, the Asiwaju of Ibeshe Kingdom, said that the annual community festival has provided the community the opportunity to galvanise for development.
He said that IKIDASS is building on the successes in its first year to further chart a developmental agenda for Ibeshe.
“The Ibeshe Community Festival is set to return for its second anniversary, building on the successes and achievements recorded during its maiden edition, with a renewed commitment to community development, cultural preservation, youth empowerment and collective progress.”
“The second anniversary, themed “ONE COMMUNITY, MANY HANDS.” represents a new chapter in Ibeshe’s development journey, reinforcing the belief that sustainable community growth requires collective responsibility, active participation and contributions from every segment of society.”
“The maiden edition, celebrated under the theme “WE ARE GREATER THAN WHO WE ARE.” demonstrated the strength, unity and potential of the Ibeshe people; bringing together traditional institutions, community leaders, residents, youths. women, traders, artisans and indigenes in the diaspora.”
“Beyond the cultural celebration, the festival has provided an important platform for translating community solidarity into tangible developmental achievements,” he said.
Presenting the ambitious agenda for a new chapter in Ibeshe, Asiwaju Olusanya listed palace remodelling, new school for the community, youth centre and celebration of Olubeshe’s 20th anniversary, as major focus of IKIDAS in the next one year.
“As the community prepares for the second anniversary, the organisers are setting their sights on more ambitious developmental objectives. Key projects and programmes earmarked for the second year include: Rehabilitation of the Olubeshe Palace, which is an initiative aimed at improving the palace environment and preserving the dignity of the traditional institution, which remains central to the community’s heritage and identity; and facilitation of a New Primary School: a strategic educational intervention designed to expand access to quality basic education and provide more opportunities for children within the community.
Also: “Youth-Centred Programmes with expanded initiatives focusing on youth empowerment, skills development, talent discovery, leadership, entrepreneurship and constructive engagement.”
In addition, IKIDASS Chairman also unveiled the plan for the celebration of Olubeshe’s 20th coronation anniversary.
”Olubeshe’s 20th Coronation Anniversary which is a major celebration scheduled for March 2027 to honour the Olubeshe and commemorate 20 years of his coronation, celebrating his traditional leadership, contributions and enduring place in the history and development of Ibeshe.”
Asiwaju Olusanya, speaking on the first year of IKIDASS achievements, said that notable developmental actions and projects were undertaken.
”Between the first anniversary and the present, Ibeshe has recorded notable interventions and accomplishments across infrastructure, education, youth development, public health awareness, peacebuilding and community engagement.”
”Infrastructure Development: The JB-sponsored rehabilitation of the Idioro-Adenekan-Oshorun Road, alongside interventions on the Rabacco-Owode Road and Molatori-Oluodo Road, represents significant efforts towards improving road infrastructure and accessibility within the community.
”The rehabilitation of the Ibeshe Town Hall has also strengthened the community’s institutional and social gathering infrastructure.
Asiwaju Olusanya added: “Educational Excellence: In remarkable demonstration of academic excellence, pupils from Ibeshe Public Primary School emerge victorious, winning all the medals at the LCDA Spelling Bee Competition. The achievement underscores the academic potential of children in the community and the importance of investing in foundational education.”
Other notable achievements mentioned were Cultural Representation with the Ibeshe Queen at various events across the Southwest, projecting its cultural identity, heritage and values beyond its immediate environment; Youth Development and Sports, through which organisation of age-group football tournaments and other competitions has provided opportunities for young people to showcase their talents, promote healthy competition and strengthen community bonds.
Others are Peacebuilding and Community Security: One of the most remarkable; Health, Fitness and Social Responsibility: Community-wide initiatives, including the Walk for Fitness and the …
”These interventions demonstrate that the Ibeshe Community Festival is evolving beyond an annual cultural gathering into a platform for meaningful social impact and sustainable development, ” Asiwaju Olusanya added.
