IBARAPA KAN, OLU OF IGBOORA,ONIDERE, BABAASO, IBARAPA TEENAGERS CELEBRATES TRADITION AT IBARAPA CULTURAL TALENT SHOW.

The maiden edition of Ibarapa Cultural Talent Show, initiated by Bimpe Olubola Akinteye foundation (BOA), was on Saturday, 19th February, 2025 held in grandstyle. The event which was held at the 800 seater of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora had in attendance traditional rulers, teenagers, cultural promoters, political figures including the member, federal house of representative, representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North constituency, Hon. Dr. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju.

In her opening remarks, the convener of Ibarapa Cultural Talent Show 2025, Mrs Bola Akinteye appreciate God, her family, planning committee, Students’ Union Government of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora and sponsors for making the event successful.

According to Bola Akinteye:

“Ibarapa Cultural Talent Show 2025 is a call to ensure that the legacy of our forefathers is not forgotten but strengthened across generations.

“It encompass celebrating the Evolution of Tradition and Talent.

“This event is not just a gathering, it is a movement.

“This is meant to revive, celebrate, and empower our youth to embrace their roots through traditional performances, storytelling, artistry, and cultural exhibitions”.

Bola Akinteye urge Parents and Guidance to support their children in embracing and showcasing their cultural talents.

According to her, the initiative of the event include initiating an Ibarapa Community Involvement through a shared celebration of our heritage and the Local Food Exhibition, such as amala lafun, ilasa, ekuru, fufu, efo riro, ojojo, egbo, and other traditional delicacies that define Ibarapa’s cultural identity.

The member, federal house of representative representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North , Hon. Dr. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju who physically graced the event, praised the creativity and act of ingenuity displayed by the convener of the initiative, Mrs. Bola Akinteye.

The federal law maker eulogised the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde, for promoting the cultural heritage of the Yoruba race, which he said had inspired people like Mrs Akinteye to conceptualise the Ibarapa Cultural Talent Show aimed at uniting, educating and preserving Yoruba customs and traditions.

In his usual way of encouragement, the lawmaker made a financial pledge to a teenager who piqued his interest with her dance skills on the podium.

The Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye (Asoroolu Ayinla V), appreciate the organizers of the event for resuscitating our dieing culture as result of civilization. He urged for sutai ability of the rich Cultural Talent Show. This was rounded up by a rich Bata Dance by the Babaaso of Iberekodo – Igbole, Oba Olusanjo Ojo.

In his short remarks, the Student affairs officer, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Alhaji Raman Onike urged youths to re – unite and embrace the culture of our forefathers.

A Yoruba writer and publisher , Wale Ojediran (Konkobilo) in a short and potent lecture lament the dangers of allowing extinction of values and Culture of Yoruba race. He urged Yoruba leaders to henceforth start paying proper attention to preservation of Yoruba ethics and Culture.

According to the chairman planning committee, Prince Akintayo Akinyemi : ” Mrs Bola Akinteye has initiated for us an epoc making history of our heritage. This is more than a performance, it is a legacy in the making.

We thank thank God, our active and working member, federal house of representative, Hon. Dr. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju who took the event as a matter of importance, our traditional rulers, His Majesty, Oba Jimoh Titiloye, Olu of Igboora, Oba Joshua Olusanjo Ojo and the Onidere of Idere who was represented by Idere High Chiefs, the Students’ Union of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, performing artists who greatly impacted the event and several meaningful personalities, youths who gathered at the occasion and filled up with funfair; honestly, it created an experience that rekindles cultural pride in youth and strengthens the bond within Ibarapa communities”, he concluded.

Highlights of the maiden event included Ewi (Traditional Poetry)
Ijala (Hunter’s Chant), Gelede (Cultural Performance), Ekun Iyawo (Traditional Bridal Chant), Rara (Cultural Songs), Fashion & Costume Showcase
Drumming & Traditional Music Dance Performances, Creative Artistry, Local Food (Egbo, Amala, Yaayi, Sapala, Otili, Mosa, Ojojo), and traditional drinks like Oguro (undiluted palm wine) served in its best local style exhibition primarily to familiarise the cohort of people born in the late 1990s and early 2010s, otherwise known as Gen Z, for the sake of preserving the Yoruba way of life.