As the clock ticks and the days draw nearer, the egg-heads and pillars vested with the responsibility of organizing a great event tagged Ijan-Day 2025, have expressed unequivocally their determination to ensure a unique and spectacular celebration between Monday 10th and Saturday 15th November 2025.
Information from the Central and Sub Committees during the week gave clear indications that every stone is being turned to ascertain that the programme serves as a vista in the history of the quiet and peaceful town.
The 10-year hiatus of the celebration, notwithstanding, the Committee posited that they are poised for a much more elaborate event, which will be in grand style, glitz and glamour.
The Kabiyesi, HRM. Lawrence Adebanji Aladesuyi (Afayagbekun II), Council of Chiefs, leaders of the community, the youths and all others are in high spirits, as gathered.
Asiwaju John Ajayi, Chairman of the Central Working Committee, said: “Ijan Day 2025 is here already. We have less than a month to go. All Committee Members are working tirelessly to put up a robust and wonderful programme. Apart from the committees, there are several other Ijan sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora that are working behind the scene to see that we achieve great success. And, I am sure and certain, by the grace of God, it shall be so in Jesus name.
“The frenzy, excitement and preparations on the part of our people towards the Ijan Day Celebration are quite overwhelming. It goes to show that they have long waited for it to be held again. I’m more than happy about this. It’s indeed a thing of joy seeing the remarkable commitments of all the Committee members working tirelessly day and night. I commend them all. I say kudos and well done!”
Kabiyesi Onijan did not fail to further appreciate and applauded the committee members for their selfless service.
While thanking the Council of Chiefs, the women, all and sundry, he specifically admonished the youth to be of good conduct and in their best behaviours during the celebration.
A Medical Outreach, which is a pre-event, has been organized to kick-off the celebration on Saturday 8th November at the Palace Ground. The time is 10.00 am – 3.30pm. All and sundry are expected to come to the venue for adequate medical checkup and health tips.
The celebration proper begins on Monday 10th November with Inter-Denominational Service at the Palace Grounds between 9.00am – 11.00am.
Interview for contenders for Miss Ijan Day 2025 and Football Match will thereafter follow.
On Tuesday, 11th November, Environmental Sanitation Exercise across the town will take place between 8.00am – 10.30am. This will be followed also by Indoor Games such as ‘Ayo Olopon’ ‘Ugbo Gbigban’ by 11.00am – 3.00pm. Another Football Match will climax the day’s event.
On Wednesday, 12th November, the Kabiyesi, HRM. Lawrence Adebanji Aladesuyi will meet with the media to give highlights and answer questions on the celebration.
The Ijan Day Lecture entitled, Ijan Ekiti Developmental Challenges: Analysing the Causes, Consequences and Pathway to Redemption and Sustainable Progress will hold on Thursday 13th November by 12.00pm – 3.00pm.
A Career/Entrepreneurial Talk would also be part of the day’s event which will hold at the Ijan Town Hall.
A Fitness Walk Around the Town by the Chiefs, Committee Members led by the Oloris will take place by 9.30 am – 11.30am.
The Final Football Match, A Gala-Night where Miss Ijan Day 2025 will be unveiled is slated for Friday 14th November.
The D-Day of the Celebration is Saturday, 15th November.
At 7.00am – 8.00am, there will be ‘Iwure’ – Traditional Blessing by ‘Eegun ‘Re’ at the Palace Grounds. Awards of Honorary Titles to Individuals by Kabiyesi will also follow.
Thereafter, all roads will lead to Great George Arena on Ilupeju Ijan Road.
Between 11.00am – 4.30pm, an array of activities, such as Parades, Cultural Displays, Paying of Homage to the Kabiyesi, Launching of Ultra Modern Palace, Musical Shows and Entertainment will cap the ceremony.
