The people of Ilese-Ijebu are preparing for the 2026 edition of the annual Ilese Day Celebration, with a week-long programme designed to bring residents, indigenes, families and visitors together through sports, healthcare, education, culture and entertainment.

The celebration will begin on Sunday, July 26, 2026, with a church service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ilese-Ijebu, followed by the first semifinal of the football competition at the Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Ilese-Ijebu. The second semifinal will take place at the same venue on Monday, July 27.

On Tuesday, July 28, attention will shift to the Ilese Dynamic Association Recreation and Event Centre, where the grand finale of the inter-school quiz competition will be held. The educational contest is expected to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge while encouraging healthy academic competition among schools within the community.

Activities scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, include a baby show at the recreation and event centre and the third-place match of the football competition at the Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences.

Thursday’s programme will combine health, enterprise and sports. A free medical check-up organised by the Kaledeen Foundation for Women and Youth Empowerment will begin at 8 a.m. at the Ilese Dynamic Association Recreation and Event Centre. The annual enterprise development seminar, organised by Catland Microfinance Bank, will follow at 1 p.m., while the final of the football competition will take place at 3 p.m.

The programme will continue on Friday, July 31, with a community marathon beginning at 6:30 a.m. The route will pass through the Eagle FM premises, Erunwon, Classic Hotel Roundabout, Ibadan Garage, Lagos Garage, Epe Garage, Oke-Owa and Ilese.

Friday will also feature continued medical services, free eye tests, Woro Dance, Jumat service, an Ikokore cooking competition and the Miss Ilese 2026 Beauty Pageant. These activities are expected to celebrate the community’s culture while creating opportunities for participation across different age groups.

The celebration will climax on Saturday, August 1, with the Ilese Day Carnival Show and Grand Finale at the Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences. A gala night will follow at the Moslem Primary School Playground in Ilese-Ijebu.

The 2026 celebration reflects the broader purpose of Ilese Day as a platform for strengthening community bonds, promoting development and preserving the identity of the people. By combining religion, health, education, sports, enterprise and entertainment, the programme is expected to attract both residents and visitors throughout the week.