Yetunde Konrad (IYALODE of IDU Houston)
The Ibadan Descendants Union (IDU) is gearing up for its highly-anticipated 2024 biennial convention, set to take place from September 20-22 at the Grace Event Center in Houston, Texas.
This year’s event promises to be a transformative milestone for the organization, with a central focus on launching the Ibadan House—a new initiative designed to strengthen ties within the Ibadan diaspora and foster unity and cultural preservation.
In an exclusive interview with EKO HOT BLOG, Yetunde Konrad, the Iyalode of IDU Houston, highlighted the ground-breaking nature of the upcoming convention.
She said the initiative will serve as a hub for the Ibadan community, both locally and abroad, and is a key component of the union’s broader goal to drive development and support for our people.
Read excerpts from the interview below:
Q: When and where is the 2024 Ibadan Descendants Union biennial convention taking place?
A: The 2024 IDU biennial convention will be held from September 20th to 22nd, 2024. The venue for this year’s event is Grace Event Center, 15401 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, Texas 77083.
Q: What are the primary objectives of IDU?
A: The primary objectives of IDU are to give back to the community and the world economically, morally, and culturally.
Q: Are there any new initiatives or projects to be launched during the convention?
This year, there is a plan to establish an Ibadan House in Houston for the Ibadan community, both locally and in the diaspora.
Q: How will the convention address pressing issues affecting Ibadan and its descendants?
The convention will provide a platform to discuss the well-being of our people back home.
We support the less privileged in Ibadan by training them in skills such as beading, tailoring, painting, and artistry for six months.
We also assist with funds to help them start their own businesses. We have recently graduated a new set of trainees and plan to begin with another set immediately.
Painting on Cars
Q: How can members and non-members register and participate in the convention?
Those interested in attending the convention in Houston can contact the number listed on the event flyers.
They can also advertise their businesses or send greetings to loved ones to be included in the event brochure.
Additionally, attendees and non-attendees can contribute to the convention by purchasing Ankara to be worn on the first day, which helps raise funds for the event. Any remaining funds will be used for empowerment initiatives.
Q: How can attendees contribute to the discussion and share their ideas or perspectives?
A: The convention will kick off with a welcome party on Friday evening. Saturday morning will feature elections, and Saturday night will include a grand fundraising event and social gathering.
More photos of empowerment below:
Tailoring
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