By Emmanuel Onwusoro.
Isaya-Ekiti, a serene community in Ekiti East Local Government Area of Ekiti State came alive on Saturday, October 22, 2022 as the ancient town held the 21st Isaya Day celebration and the launching of N500 million appeal fund for the building of ultra-modern Palace.
It was an event that heralded the homecoming of the sons and daughters of the town in their numbers from far and near to contribute their quota to the development of the community and reunite after missing one another for a long time.
The traditional ruler, Oba Matthew Ajayi Elejogun, members of Asaya-in-Council and the Oloris added colour to the event in their specially designed white robes,while others appeared in clothes of different colours and shapes on a day that was equally described as one to glorify the creator for mercies to witness another celebration.
In his address of welcome, His Royal Majesty, the Asaya of Isaya-Ekiti, Oba Matthew Ajayi Elejogun, said despite challenges he would continue to do everything within his ability to ensure that the norms,values and culture of the town are preserved, rather than being discarded.
According to him, the town as recorded several achievements in both physical and human resources such as commencement of the building of an ultra-modetn palace, a cultural and events centre, a community market, renovation of community comprehensive health centre among others,while many of the community’s sons and daughters have been promoted or have reached the pinnacle of their careers/professions in diverse spheres of human endeavour.
He expressed gratitude to his Chiefs and other subjects, saying they have been working with him as a team for the development of the town. Oba Elejogun acknowledged the presence of every guest, noting that the love they have for the community prompted their honouring the day’s celebration. The proceeds from the event he said will be judiciously expended for the development of our town. Hence, “I appeal that we donate towards the purpose for which we are here”.
Chairman, Isaya Development Union (IPU), Emmanuel Gboyega Omotola appreciated the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State for his foresight and pragmatism in granting autonomy to deserving communities in the State.
He said the newly created Isaya Ekiti community has established a developmental agenda called, “Isaya Development Model (IDM), in which emphasis is on family unit. “The model is anchored on individual family that makes up Isaya community. It recognizes the equality of families born and bred in Isaya Ekiti. It places full recognition on all non-indigenes living in the community for a number of years without any bad record.
He informed the gathering that every kobo realized in last year’s Isaya Day Celebration was judiciously spent on projects that will lift the community, adding that donors are always acquainted in their letters of appreciation with projects sited with money realized as such prudent spending will encourage them to respond willingly at subsequent celebrations.
Chairman, Isaya Day Planning Committee, Elder Rufus Egbeyemi, was happy over what he described as the socio-economic developments being established in the town. He appealed to the sons and daughters of the town to remain resolute to take the town to an enviable height.
Chairman of the occasion, who is the lawmaker representing Ekiti Federal Constituency 2, in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Bamisile, appreciated God that Oba Elejogun is still on the throne. He told the people that the grace of God will continue to remain on Isaya soil.
He assured the people that his being in Abuja on their mandate will continue to showcase good things, pledging to donate generously in the interest of the community.
Highpoint of the celebration was the conferment of awards on some of the sons and daughters of the ancient community such as a Permanent Secretary in the Ekiti State Civil Service, Engr Johnson Oluwole Adeola, a business woman, Engr Adenike Jennifer Emiola,while Pastor Samuel Olu Ajayi Elejogun was honoured with Isaya-Ekiti Community Grand Merit Award.
Royal fathers that attended the occasion include the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti,Oba Oluwole Ademolaju, the Alaye of Oke Ayedun, Oba Olufemi Aribisala Obembe, the Elekota of Kota-Ekiti, Oba Olukayode Ojo Fagbemi and other royal fathers.