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Cleric urge investment in industry, Elerinmo announces scholarships, food outreach

Erinmo-Ijesa, in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, on Friday hosted a historic special Jumat service to formally inaugurate activities for the 2025 Iwude Ijesa Festival, marking the first time the festival’s opening prayer would be held in the town.

The prayer session took place at the Erinmo-Ijesa Central Mosque and attracted traditional rulers, religious leaders and stakeholders from across Ijesaland.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque, Imam Qoseem Lawal, urged sons and daughters of Ijesaland to demonstrate love for their communities by prioritising development and investment.

He advised affluent indigenes to channel resources into industries and human capital rather than luxury pursuits.

The cleric described Ijesa people as resilient and development-oriented, while commending the early strides recorded under the reign of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III.

He referenced the announced reconstruction of the Akure–Ilesa–Ibadan Expressway as a positive signal for the unprecedented growth Ijesaland witness under his reign.

Imam Lawal also called on Ijesa political office holders to use their positions to advance the collective interest of the people, offering prayers for Erinmo-Ijesa, Ijesaland, Osun State and the nation at large.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of the Iwude Ijesa Festival Planning Committee, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola, said the festival was conceived to strengthen unity and promote cultural cohesion among Ijesa communities.

He noted that the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya II, has consistently supported initiatives that foster togetherness across Ijesaland.

In his remarks, The Elerinmo emphasised the importance of religious tolerance and harmony in Erinmo-Ijesa.

The monarch announced the approval of scholarships for ten Muslim pupils attending public schools in the town and directed that their names be submitted accordingly even as Food items were also distributed to worshippers, courtesy of Engr. Isaac Ademola Agoro.

Dignitaries at the event included the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, the Aringbajo of Igbajo-Erinmo-Ijesa, members of the Elerinmo-in-Council, Apostle Muyide, Chairman of Erinmo-Ijesa CAN, and representatives of various Ijesa cultural groups.