OAU DVC Charges Ijesa Students to Preserve Their Heritage as FISU Celebrates 2026 Heritage Week


 


By Abel Chigozie, 

The Federation of Ijesa Students' Union (FISU), under the leadership of its National President, Comrade Olumide J. Ogunkeye, has successfully concluded the 2026 edition of its Heritage Week, a five-day celebration aimed at promoting Ijesa culture, history, education, unity and community development.




The week-long programme, held from Tuesday, June 23 to Saturday, June 27, 2026, featured activities across different local government areas in Ijesaland. The event commenced with a community clean-up exercise in Osu, Atakunmosa West Local Government Area, followed by a secondary school quiz competition in Ijebu-Ijesa, Oriade Local Government Area on Wednesday.

On Thursday, students and youths gathered in Iperindo, Atakunmosa East Local Government Area, for a football competition that promoted unity and healthy rivalry among participants. Friday's activities featured an educational visit to the historic Kiriji War Camp in Imesi-Ile, Obokun Local Government Area, where participants were exposed to the rich history and heritage of the Ijesa people.




The Heritage Week climaxed on Saturday with a colourful grand finale held at the Ilesa Grammar School Hall, Ilesa, attracting students, traditional leaders, community stakeholders, academics and other distinguished guests.

Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Development), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Akanni Akinyemi, spoke on the theme, "Reclaiming Our Roots: Preserving Ijesa Heritage in a Changing World."

Professor Akinyemi challenged students to become ambassadors of the Ijesa heritage and quoted renowned Ghanaian scholar and statesman James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey, saying:

"The surest way to keep a people down is to educate the men and neglect the women. If you educate a man, you educate an individual; if you educate a woman, you educate a family."

He noted that the broader lesson from the quotation is that the progress of any people depends on deliberate investment in human capital.




"The Ijesa have understood this truth for generations through their commitment to education, enterprise and community advancement. Today, I invite every member of FISU to become a custodian of that legacy. Do not merely inherit the name 'Ijesa'; live the values that have made the name honourable. Do not merely celebrate your heritage—protect it, promote it and pass it on. Heritage is not simply what we receive from our ancestors; it is what our descendants will thank us for preserving," he said.

Also present at the event was the Speaker of the Day, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola, Chairman of the Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee, who was represented by the Secretary of the Committee, Mrs. Oguniyi Oluwabunmi. Other dignitaries in attendance included Pastor Kehinde Ilesanmi, union executives, community leaders, students from tertiary institutions and representatives of various secondary schools.




Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Chairman of the Heritage Week Planning Committee, Comrade Awosina Kehinde Johnson, expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the programme.

"As we bring the 2026 FISU Heritage Week to a close, I sincerely appreciate every member, sponsor, volunteer and participant whose contributions made this celebration a success. Let us remain united, uphold the values of excellence and service, and continue building a stronger Federation of Ijesa Students' Union for generations to come," he said.




In her remarks, the Vice President of the Union, Comrade Orimogunje Olamide Goodness, also appreciated all donors, sponsors, volunteers, mobilisers and participants for their unwavering support towards the successful hosting of the Heritage Week.

She noted that the achievements recorded during the week reflected the collective commitment of Ijesa students and stakeholders to preserving their cultural heritage while promoting education, leadership and community development.

The successful conclusion of the 2026 FISU Heritage Week further reaffirmed the Union's commitment to fostering unity among Ijesa students and preserving the rich cultural identity of Ijesaland for future generations.


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