By Ajewole Joshua ABNews December 30, 2025
The 2025 edition of Asa Day, a major cultural celebration under the Odun Omu-Aran festival, served not only as a showcase of rich culture and tradition of the community, but also as a platform for sober reflection on the growing challenge of youth disintegration in Omu-Aran, the Headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Speaking during the colourful event, Mr. Demola Olarewaju of Igangu Compound expressed deep concern over the increasing division among youths in the community, warning that such disunity poses a serious threat to developments. He urged young people to do away with rivalries, personal interests and unhealthy competition by embracing unity, as the foundation for progress.
According to him, the strength of any community lies in the unity of its youth, stressing that no meaningful development can be achieved where divisions, ego battles and sectional interests dominate. He described the growing disconnection among youth groups as unfortunate, noting that, Omu-Aran can only move forward if the youth speaks with one voice.
Olarewaju noted that the Asa Day celebration was deliberately designed to serve as a platform for a reunion, reconciliation, reflections, socialize with friends and well wishers, renewed commitments to unity as they dine and wine together. He explained further that Odun Omu-Aran, goes beyond entertainment, as it is rooted in cultural identity, collective responsibility, and community rebirth.
“The essence of this gathering is to remind us that we are one people,” he said. “Nothing should divide us in whatever guise. We must reason together, with a view to build and develop our community collectively.”
He also called on youths in the diaspora and those residing outside Omu-Aran to return home, stressing that development cannot be achieved by distancing themselves from the town. According to him, coming home allows young people to reconnect with their roots, contribute ideas, invest in community growth, and inspire the next generation.
Addressing concerns over insecurity that have discouraged some from returning, Mr. Olarewaju acknowledged the fears but expressed confidence in the efforts of the government to restore stability. He urged residents to remain patient, support government and avoid spreading false and negative narratives that could further divide Omu-Aran community, Kwara State and Nigeria at large.
The event also featured rich cultural display, including traditional dances, E’gun Elewe, indigenous music and the consumption of local delicacies such as Eko-eda, Eko elewe and Ekuru, Iyan Ewu and Isu esun among others.
Also the use of Igbomina dialect and the exclusion of modern bottled drinks were deliberate efforts at preserving cultural authenticity.
Mr. Olarewaju stressed that Asa Day serves as a reminder of the values of unity, love, and collective responsibility. He emphasized that youth must rise above petty differences, embrace maturity, and work together for the progress of Omu-Aran.
“As long as we remain divided, development will elude us. But if we come together as one people, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”
The Asa Day celebration once again reinforced its role as a unifying platform, calling on the younger generation to set aside differences, embrace shared identity, and work collectively toward a stronger and more prosperous Omu-Aran.
