The Ilobu-Asake Development Union (IDU) has announced the commencement of activities for the 34th edition of Ilobu Day, calling on both the federal and state Government to address critical developmental needs of the community.
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The union urged the government to rehabilitate Oke-Aweshin Road, support the development of information and communication technology (ICT) in the town and improve facilities at the Ilobu General Hospital in Konda, Ilobu.
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It also called for the immortalisation of the late former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, in recognition of his legacy and contributions to the country.
The President of IDU, Prof. Olufemi Saibu, made the appeal on Saturday during a press conference at Ilobu House Complex, Osun State, where he formally announced the 34th Ilobu Day celebration, scheduled to run from November 7 to 15, 2026.
Saibu said the nine-day celebration, themed “Ilobu-Asake: United in Heritage, Rising in Development,” was designed to promote unity, preserve the community’s cultural heritage and advance its social and economic development.
He explained that Ilobu Day had, over the years, provided an opportunity for indigenes at home and in the diaspora to reunite, assess the progress of their community and contribute to initiatives aimed at improving residents’ lives.
“Ilobu Day has never been only a festival. Every year, it is also an occasion for service. It is when we take healthcare to our people, encourage our children in their education, honour our traditions, support our youth through sport, capacity building, socioeconomic empowerment and unveil projects that improve life in our community,” he said.
According to him, this year’s programme features a free medical outreach, educational activities, a football competition, cultural displays, religious services and the commissioning of the IDU Shopping Mall.
The medical outreach is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, at Ilobu House Complex, where residents will benefit from health talks, medical consultations, counselling and free drugs.
The education programme will hold on Wednesday, November 11, featuring career talks, inter-school quiz and debate competitions, as well as the presentation of prizes, scholarships and educational materials.
Saibu described the IDU Shopping Mall, scheduled for commissioning on Friday, November 13, as one of the union’s major development initiatives, explaining that the project was funded through contributions from Ilobu indigenes at home and abroad.
“The mall is a Union project, built through the contributions and sacrifices of Ilobu people at home and abroad. It provides a number of shops in a modern, secure space for trade. It will create jobs and opportunities for our traders and young entrepreneurs, and it will generate income to sustain the Union’s development work for years to come.”
He said further that the facility would provide business opportunities for traders and young entrepreneurs, create employment and generate revenue to support the union’s future development projects.
The celebration will climax with a grand finale on Saturday, November 14, at St Paul’s Grammar School Playground, Ilobu, with Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, expected to attend as the Father of the Day.
“His Excellency, the Governor, is expected to lead a distinguished array of dignitaries to our community, including members of the National Assembly, senior officials of the Osun State Government, local government leaders, other royal fathers, and our sons and daughters from far and near”, he said.
The Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan will serve as the Royal Host, while former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuff, is the Chairman of the Day.
The union will also honour five distinguished family compounds: Agbofiseti, Akeyan, Alako, Imam-Arohun and Oloso, in recognition of their contributions to the history, unity and development of Ilobu.
Saibu called on sons and daughters of the community, including those in the diaspora, to participate in the celebration and support efforts to move the town forward.
“This year, the Union will also recognise five Special Distinguished Compounds of Honour 2026: Agbofiseti Compound, Akeyan Compound, Alako Compound, Imam-Arohun Compound and Oloso Compound. We honour these family compounds for their contribution to the history, unity and development of Ilobu.”
He added that the planning committee had collaborated with security agencies and traditional institutions to ensure peaceful and orderly activities throughout the nine-day celebration.