2024 WORLD TWINS FESTIVAL : OYO STATE GOVERNMENT PLANS PLACING IGBOORA ON GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS

As the 2024 Igboora World Twins Festival started on Monday, 7th October, 2024, the Oyo State Government has revealed the plans to place the global event on the Guinness book of records.

The festival which started with prayers and world press conference had in attendance Oyo State Commissioner for culture and tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun who was represented by the permanent secretary, ministry of culture and tourism, Dr. A.M Ayoola, Executive Chairman Ibarapa Central Local Government, Hon. Sola Adeleke, Traditional rulers, sets of Twins, researchers and eminent personalities across Oyo State.

The event which took place at the Igboora Town Hall highlighted activities set out for the festival and ruminate on several questions relating to the phenomenon.

In his opening remarks, the executive chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government, Hon. Sola Adeleke appreciate God for making the event a reality. He expressed gratitude to the executive Governor of Oyo State, Eng. Seyi Makinde for associating with Ibarapa Community on the special blessing of twin birth. He extend his appreciation to the ministry of culture and tourism, traditional rulers and people of Ibarapa Central Local Government for being part of another global Twins Festival.

The Chairman planning committee 2024 Igboora Twins Festival and Oluaso of Iberekodo, HRM, Oba Jamiu Adedamola Badmos thank the Oyo State Government, Igboora Community and everyone who have sacrificed so much to make the festival a reality.

Oluaso of Iberekodo highlighted a promising activities slated for the one week celebration expected to be filled with cultural displays, festivities and memorable activities.

According to the monarch, the festival is scheduled to crown with grand finale on Saturday, October 12th, 2024 at the Methodist Grammar school playing ground, Saganun, Igboora, Oyo State Nigeria.

“The festival is set to attract twins and lovers of culture globally.

“This year’s festival will feature a blend of educational programs, cultural performances, sporting events, and prestigious ceremonies, all culminating in a grand finale that promises to be the highlight of the week.

“This World Twins Festival continues to be a beacon of cultural pride, unity, and tradition with a rich history of celebrating multiple births, and has grown into an international event that attracts visitors from all over the world,”…. Oluaso highlighted.

Amongst personalities expected at the grand finale according to the monarch include the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Eng Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde and members of the Oyo State Executive Council, Olu of Ilaro and Chairman Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle is expected as the Royal father of the day while Hon. Agboworin of the federal House of Representatives is expected to be the chairman.

Among other dignitaries expected according to Oluaso include Dr. Amos Adepoju, Asiwaju of Igboora, Alhaja Ranti Adedigba, politicians, sons and daughters of Igboora and well-meaning individuals.

Addressing newsmen on behalf of Igboora Community, the Olu of Igboora, His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Titiloye expressed gratitude to God for the joy the celebration accorded the community, especially since the modernized ceremony started six years ago.

Oba Titiloye appreciate the executive Governor of Oyo State, Eng. Seyi Makinde who has not only contributed emensely, but took his presence at the festival as a matter of importance since he became the governor. He extend his appreciation to the executive chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government, Hon. Olusola Adeleke and Honourable Commissioner for culture and tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun who was represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Dr. A M Ayoola and the Director, Alhaja Adejoke Agboola.

Highlighting the significance of Igboora World Twins Festival, Olu of Igboora referenced the records at the old rural health center which affirmed the occurrence of 5 multiple birthdays out of every 1000 births in Igboora.

According to Oba Titiloye:

“Igboora Twins phenomenon has been of tremendous help in ensuring peace and stability in the community.

“Till date, scientific research is ongoing there has there never been any established conclusion on this mystery.

“The truth remains that we were blessed naturally with these bountiful blessings ; by the time some are killing twins in other parts of the world, our progenitors at Igboora were busy celebrating and worshiping these special creators. We are naturally blessed in Igboora.

“This Twins Festival which is devoid of fetishes, comes along with prayers and we always feel the prayers, God has always answered our prayers as the community remains United and peaceful.

“We also plan for special prayers from our elders here in line with their faiths at the grand finale on Saturday 12th October.

“Igboora has been and shall always remain a land of multiple births in the World as it is regarded as a natural human resources of the people”, Oba Titiloye concluded.

Reacting to questions on why Igboora Twins are rarely found begging for arms, the monarchs responded:

“As much as the people so much love and adore these wonderful gifts of nature, discipline of hard work is maintained and this you would never see any Igboora Twin Mother parading their twins for alms. Even if you want to beg, it’s very possible you beg from a twin, who will tell you he’s also a twin, and blessed due to his hard work”.

The permanent secretary, ministry of culture and tourism, Dr. A.M Ayoola while reacting to questions by Newsmen on how the Oyo State Government could partner the community on Twins empowerment and developmental visions of the community like the Twins Village and Town Hall through Twins Festival and Tourism, he highlighted efforts of the current administration of Eng. Seyi Makinde on culture and tradition through the ministry of culture and tourism. He cited examples of Sango festival, Oke Ibadan, Isese festival to mention few which the Government has been highly supportive.

The permanent secretary reveal the Government’s plan to place Igboora Twins Festival on Guinness book of records and UNESSCO at the grand finale coming up on Saturday 12th October, 2024.

“The executive Governor of Oyo State, H.E Eng. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde will not only be physically present for the festival on Saturday, but planned to place Igboora Twins Festival on the Guinness book of records. But we need your support. Our Twins should be physically present to make this.

“The Twins Village and Twins Radio is a capital project that needs the support of well meaning Indegenes of Igboora and Ibarapa in general. Considering the global economic challenges, the government of Oyo State has never relent on payment of workers salary as at 25th of every month among other projects. Your partnership with the Oyo State Government will make the dreams come true”, Ayoola concluded.

Traditional rulers at the opening event include the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye, Oluaso of Iberekodo, Oba Jamiu Adedamola Badmos, Babaaso of Igbole, Oba Olusanjo Ojo, Onisaganun of Saganun, Oba Fasasi Jinad, Onidofin of Idofin, Oba Adeleye and Jagun of Pako.