- Oba Kasali urged Igbogbo indigenes in the diaspora to support development at home
- He praised diaspora groups for investing in education and community projects
- The monarch called for stronger partnerships to position Igbogbo globally
The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, has called on sons and daughters of Igbogbo in the diaspora to continue contributing to the development of their ancestral community.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Oba Kasali made the call during activities marking the 3rd annual Igbogbo Day celebration in Houston, Texas, where he led a delegation from Nigeria to engage with Igbogbo indigenes living in the United States.
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Speaking at the gathering, the monarch expressed appreciation to the Igbogbo diaspora for maintaining a strong connection with the kingdom and supporting initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents back home.
He said the relationship between Igbogbo and its people abroad should go beyond cultural celebrations, stressing the importance of turning the bond into practical development partnerships.
The traditional ruler also acknowledged the contributions of Igbogbo Ambassadors USA, which has supported projects in schools within the community. The organisation has renovated primary schools, replaced doors to protect educational materials and provided classroom furniture, among other interventions.
Oba Kasali encouraged the diaspora community to identify areas where their resources and expertise could complement government efforts and improve infrastructure, education and other sectors in Igbogbo.
He noted that the development of the kingdom required the collective efforts of government, traditional institutions, residents and people of Igbogbo living outside Nigeria.
The monarch also used the occasion to commend individuals who have remained committed to the progress of the community, saying their contributions demonstrated the importance of unity among Igbogbo people.
He further stressed the need for Igbogbo to strengthen its relationship with international partners, particularly in areas that could attract investment and create opportunities for young people and residents.
Oba Kasali said his visit to Houston was not only to celebrate with the diaspora but also to discuss ways of placing Igbogbo on a stronger global platform.
During the event, he also called for continued support for initiatives that would bring tangible benefits to the people, urging stakeholders to look beyond personal interests and work towards the long-term development of the kingdom.
The monarch’s participation formed part of a wider three-day Igbogbo Day programme, which brought together traditional leaders, community representatives, political figures, families and friends of Igbogbo from across the United States and beyond.
The celebration provided an opportunity for members of the diaspora to reconnect with their cultural roots while discussing issues affecting the development of their homeland.
Oba Kasali said the progress recorded in Igbogbo would depend largely on the ability of its people to work together and maintain a strong relationship between those at home and abroad.
He urged the diaspora to sustain the spirit of giving back and continue supporting projects capable of improving education, infrastructure and the general welfare of residents.
The monarch also expressed optimism that the partnership between Igbogbo and its diaspora would produce greater development outcomes in the years ahead.
He thanked the organisers and participants for their commitment to preserving Igbogbo’s culture and strengthening the bond between the kingdom and its people in the diaspora.
The 3rd annual Igbogbo Day celebration therefore served not only as a cultural gathering but also as a platform for renewed discussions on community development, investment and the responsibility of Igbogbo indigenes to contribute to the growth of their homeland.
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