Ayere Day 2026: Olusoji Canvasses Unity, Community Development
AYERE — Ayere Kingdom in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State came alive with colourful cultural displays and traditional performances as dignitaries, traditional rulers, and indigenes gathered for the 2026 Ayere Day celebration.
Beyond showcasing the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, the annual event provided a strategic platform for renewed calls for unity, community development, and stronger political cooperation among the Okun people.
The vibrant homecoming event featured sons and daughters of the kingdom adorned in colourful costumes, alongside captivating dance performances that highlighted the enduring legacy of the Ayere people.
Speaking at the event, the Asiwaju of Ayere Kingdom and Chief Executive Officer of Grosvenor Group, Prince Olatunji Olusoji, emphasized that the celebration serves as a vital opportunity to strengthen regional unity and mobilize collective efforts toward grassroot development.
Olusoji urged successful indigenes to look homeward and invest heavily in critical sectors.
Backing his words with direct action, the Asiwaju announced that he has personally employed 35 teachers to serve in government schools across Ayere to bolster the local education system.
Additionally, he revealed the launch of a dedicated scholarship scheme awarded to Ayere indigenes to ensure brilliant students have access to higher education.
To further cushion economic hardships, Prince Olusoji has instituted a monthly welfare stipend, making direct payments of ₦10,000 to all indigenes of the Ayere community.
On the broader political landscape, he called on Okun political stakeholders to build strategic alliances across Kogi State’s three senatorial districts to ensure a more robust and formidable political representation for the zone.
The Senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi, alongside other notable dignitaries, praised Olusoji’s extensive philanthropic track record and his unwavering commitment to uplifting his community.
Similarly, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was represented at the occasion, commended the people of Ayere for preserving their rich cultural identity. The state government, alongside the National President of the Ayere Community Development Association, specifically acknowledged Olusoji’s recent developmental interventions, which include the provision of five functional boreholes to alleviate water scarcity in the area.
In a bid to directly impact local livelihoods, Olusoji earlier flagged off an empowerment programme targeted at 300 beneficiaries. The initiative was facilitated by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Mobilisation, Otunba Arowolo Taiwo, and was explicitly dedicated to supporting the re-election bids of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
As the annual festivities drew to a close, community stakeholders and traditional leaders reaffirmed their collective commitment to safeguarding Ayere’s rich heritage while actively strengthening socio-political unity for sustainable regional advancement.
