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Ibusa Lagos Island Association (ILIA) Gathers Lagos Ibusa Residents for a Grand End-of-Year Celebration

 Ibusa Lagos Island Association (ILIA) Gathers Lagos Ibusa Residents for a Grand End-of-Year Celebration



By Emeka Esogbue


Ibusa residents living in Lagos converged on Saturday in what became one of the largest gatherings of Ibusa indigenes outside the homeland. The occasion was the 2025 End-of-Year Celebration organised by the Ibusa Lagos Island Association (ILIA). Held at the prestigious Empresa Hotel in Ajah, Lagos, the event drew a large crowd of Ibusa sons and daughters, along with friends of the community.



Guests began arriving as early as 11:00 a.m. for the much-anticipated celebration. Pen Master understands that some indigenes flew in from different parts of the country to reconnect with their kinsmen and were warmly received. In his opening remarks, Mr. Greg Enurah, President of ILIA, highlighted the remarkable progress made by the Association since its establishment in January 2023.


According to him, these achievements were possible due to the unwavering resilience and cooperation of members. He listed some of the Association’s interventions, including the 2023 health-response initiative through which ILIA donated drugs to patients at Ibusa General Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital; welfare packages for health workers; interest-free financial support for members; and educational assistance extended to disadvantaged indigenes of the community.


He assured attendees that the Association would continue to support community development and strengthen social cohesion as part of its broader goals. In his address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Jude Akaeze, described the event as more than a celebration, calling it evidence of the unity, resilience, and commitment of the Ibusa people. He noted that while members have shared victories and challenges, they have continued to support one another.


Guests were treated to thrilling performances by Anioma music maestro Ogbogu Okonji, whose cultural renditions kept the audience dancing. Many attendees appeared in Akwa-Ocha, the traditional attire of the Anioma people, adding a vibrant cultural ambience to the white-themed event.


One guest, speaking with Pen Master, said she was not surprised by the large turnout, given the extensive publicity leading up to the event.


 “The average Ibusa person loves their culture and never jokes with it. All they need is a true lover of the community to coordinate them, and they will always show up,” she said.


The vote of thanks, delivered by Sir Dr. Anthony Ajudua, expressed the Association’s deep appreciation to members and guests for their presence and support, while wishing everyone a safe journey back to their destinations.


Founded in 2023, the Ibusa Lagos Island Association is dedicated to fostering friendship, collaboration, and community support for the social and cultural development of Ibusa people in Lagos and beyond.

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