Jakura
celebrates day in grand style.
Hundreds of Oworos’
from different communities in Kogi State converged in Jakura community recently
to celebrate the maiden Jakura day amidst masquerade dance and traditional
displays.
Shedding light on the
occasion that took place at the village square which is locally called ‘ANLA’,
the Obaro of Jakura, HRM Oba Ajibola Usman Adoga explained that the maiden
celebration which is as old as the community was purely cultural and devoid of
spiritual attachment. Just as it is aimed at fostering the unity of Oworos’,
especially those from Jakura and its neighboring communities.
The Obaro appreciated
the presence of the Olu of Oworo, HRM Mall, Mohammed Adoga Baiyerohi (AgbosiII)
who happens to be an indigene of the community, Oworo traditional council
members, guests and people of the land for gracing the celebration.
In an exclusive chat
with our
reporter, the Obaro gave further insight into the community and Jakura
day.
According to him, Jakura
which is an ancient community in the western axis of Oworo is divided into
three regions (the central western and the eastern region). Jakura community he
added belongs to the western region that comprises of areas like Ogbabon,
Jakura, Obajana, Iwa, Osokosoko and Apata.
According to the Obaro,
“Jakura is known for so many good things. Among the communities in Oworo land Jakura
has the largest land mass that is second to none, Jakura is famous in history, the
second paramount ruler of Oworo land is from Jakura, (Agbosi of Jakura) and by
grace of God the incumbent HRM Mall. Muhammed Adoga is the 10th Olu
of Oworo and he is from Jakura community.
He further said “Jakura
Day is a day that has been conceived many years ago and it is all about
showcasing the cultural heritage of the people, the value and virtues of the
front bearer of the community and resuscitate the fading culture of the great
people of Jakura.
“The people of Jakura
are known for hard work, hospitality, rich cultural heritage like Ihunale festival,
(mainly for women), Ofosi, Agbelege, Are Egbe, Okura, Are Ode (for hunters)
etc. while noting that the display of masquerade during the celebration is
mainly for entertainment, as it was believed in the past that people disguise
with masks to confront demonic powers so as to change their identity, it was
believed that masquerade has supernatural power that ordinary people do not
pose.
He maintained that “Jakura
community is known for its delicacy of pounded yam and the major occupation of
my people is farming. In the whole of Oworo land, Jakura stands tall in
farming. We farm yam, cassava, melon, beans, guinea corn, maize and even rice”.
While noting that, due
to bad road network in the community, the people find it challenging to
transport their produce to the market, the traditional ruler also disclosed
that the area was currently experiencing poor mobile communication service,
security challenges and lack of power supply.
In a similar manner, the
Olu of Oworo, HRM Mall, Muhammed Adoga Baiyerohi congratulated the people of
Jakura community over the celebration of their day noting that it signifies
unity, passion and love the people they have for their cultural heritage and
themselves.
The Olu of Oworo who
expressed his fulfillment towards the occasion said “it gives me joy to watch my
people display the core tradition of the land which was made manifest through
various cultural and masquerade dance, traditional songs by groups, children, the
aged and the various performances by local drummers.
He further lauded the
organizers, the people of the community for trooping out in their numbers to
make the occasion colorful adding that the gesture was a clear testimony of the
respect they have for the traditional rulers and above all for their tradition.
The chairman of the
day, HRM. Oba Frederick (JP), Olu of Apata-Ipatun, who was represented by
Pharm. Ali Adoga Sule, congratulated the people for their day and harped on the
need to diversify the economy.
The Olu of Apata-Ipatun
enjoyed the people of the land to be proactive to the development of the land by
cherishing and promoting their cultural heritage.
Speaking at the
occasion, the National president of Jakura Development Association (JDA), Engr.
Titus Samuel Adoga expressed his gratitude to everyone that graced the occasion
while noting that the people of Jakura are born great, born into royalty,
endowed with rich cultural heritage and blessed with vast land for economic
development.
He further laid
emphases on the fact that vast portion of the lands were yet to be developed,
urging all stakeholders to make efforts towards developing and giving the
community a face lift. Areas that require attention as mentioned by the
president are provision of boreholes, good roads, basic health facilities,
schools, town halls and as well cultivate the rich soil as farming stands their
major occupation.
The chairman organizing
committee, Chief Ajiboye Bonibade thanked everyone for their presence and
contribution towards the success of the occasion, while urging the people of
the land to remain law abiding, peace loving and accommodating people they have
always been.
Chief Ajiboye further
emphasized the need to ensure “ the traditions and culture of the community are
guided and preserved jealously as according to him, “it is the only legacy and
identity that is left of our forefathers, so efforts must be made to nurture,
showcase and promote it within and outside the shores of the community”.
While expressing
optimism that the State Government may still come to the aid of Jakura
community, he prayed God to bless the state Government and his cabinet members.
Post a Comment