Member representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency, Hon. Dr. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, has congratulated the people of Igbo-Ora, especially twins and their families, on the successful hosting of the 2026 Igbo-Ora World Twins Festival.
Hon. Adepoju described the festival as more than an annual cultural celebration, noting that it represents the identity, history, traditions and extraordinary heritage that have distinguished Igbo-Ora as a globally recognised community for its high incidence of twin births. He said the festival provides an important platform to showcase the community’s cultural richness and strengthen its position as a destination for cultural tourism.
The federal lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to securing national and international recognition for the cultural and tourism assets of Ibarapa, disclosing that he had moved a motion on the floor of the House of Representatives calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to support efforts towards the recognition of the Igbo-Ora World Twins Festival and Idere Hills as world-class cultural heritage and tourism sites.
He stressed that Igbo-Ora’s cultural heritage must not only be celebrated but also preserved, promoted and strategically positioned to attract global attention, investment and development opportunities. Ibarapakan expressed optimism that sustained efforts to showcase the community’s unique identity would boost tourism, create economic opportunities and contribute to the development of Igbo-Ora and the entire Ibarapa region.
The lawmaker also commended the 2026 World Twins Festival Planning Committee for its dedication, effective coordination and hard work in ensuring the successful hosting of the event. He also appreciated members of the Igbo-Ora Council of Obas, particularly His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye Asoroolu Ayinla V, for their exemplary leadership, wisdom and continued support for the preservation and promotion of the community’s cultural identity.
The federal lawmaker also applauded the sons and daughters of Igbo-Ora, both at home and in the diaspora, for their resilience, cultural pride and commitment to sustaining the community’s heritage. He expressed hope that the festival would continue to grow in prominence, attract greater international recognition and open new doors for tourism, investment and development across Igbo-Ora and the wider Ibarapa region.
