The Ijo Oje Parapo Welfare Association of Nigeria and Overseas has empowered its members in Osun with grinding machines and cash to start businesses.
The presentation took place in the Ife-Odan area of Ejigbo Local Government in Osun on Thursday, during the monthly state meeting of the association.
Speaking with Amiloaded, the Worldwide President of the Association, Prince Adeola Ayoola, noted that the empowerment aims to keep members engaged and reduce thuggery, theft, and unethical behavior among Egungun worshipers.
Prince Ayoola commended the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, for giving all religions in the state a listening ear and supporting their activities through various empowerment initiatives.
He also confirmed that the Ijo Oje Parapo is fully ready and prepared for the upcoming World Egungun Festival scheduled to hold in Ibadan. He prayed for the association to experience more progress and expansion in Osun and other states across the country.
Also speaking, the Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Bankole Ojo—ably represented by the Ministry’s Director of Field Research and Documentation, Ibrahim Sikiru Ojo—commended the association for empowering its members.
Hon. Ojo stated that if other associations could emulate Ijo Oje Parapo, it would help reduce poverty in society and motivate beneficiaries to replicate such gestures.
While emphasizing that Ijo Oje Parapo is known for promoting culture and harmony, the Commissioner urged members to support the Osun State and Nigerian governments in finding solutions to the country’s security challenges.
In her remarks, a top official from the Osun Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Yeye Idowu Ojekale, stated that Ijo Oje is a registered association with the state government. She emphasized that the Egungun Festival could generate revenue for both the association and the government if properly managed.
She urged members of the association to remain united, promote peace, and avoid violence during the Egungun Festival. She also advised them to modernize their Egungun costumes to enhance the association’s image and attract foreign visitors, while encouraging responsible drinking during celebrations.
Commenting on the future of the association, Ojebunmi BabaAlaso ALA affirmed that Ijo Oje Parapo has a strong foundation and a prosperous future for the incoming generation, as the association is reviving cultural heritage that has been lost in society.
He urged members to take the activities of the association seriously and with sincerity, while upholding the integrity and ethics of the Egungun tradition.
In his own remarks, Chief Akanmu Oluseye said the empowerment initiative was organized to assist underprivileged members and to motivate others.
He encouraged members to regard Egungun as a revered deity, adhere to the guiding principles, and called on others in Osun to join the association to promote Egungun culture in the state and beyond.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of grinding machines and cash to the beneficiaries, along with a thrilling display by three Egungun.
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