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Nigerian, African Cultures, Heritage Take Centrestage at The Drum Festival in Canada

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Deep rooted and rich Nigerian and African culture were all on display as the city of Mississauga in Ontario, Canada came alive as the host of the maiden edition of The Drum Festival (Ayan-Agalu) with the theme “Rejigging Yoruba Cultural Heritage: As Catalyst for National and International Unity, Progress and Development.

The cultural fiesta, which was organized by The Drum Online Media Incorporation, was well packaged and attended by the crème de la crème eminent personalities, such as government functionaries, royal fathers, political and religious leaders, cultural enthusiasts, socialites among others, from The North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, especially from Nigeria.

The maiden edition festival was celebrated uniquely with the massive turnout of tourists, from within Canada and abroad, visitors, fun seekers, journalists, and residents.

Various dance groups from Brazil, Iran, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria communities in Canada and drummers played to the admiration of culture enthusiasts. People were were fed with different kinds of local and continental foods.

In his welcome address, Publisher of the Drum Online Media Incorporation and convener of the Drum Festival (Ayan-Agalu) Festival, Prince Segun Akanni, said the prestigious event could not have come up as a better time and moment given the avalanche of social, economic, political and religious challenges plaguing Africa as a continent.

In his words “ There can be no gainsaying that the festival’s theme “Rejigging Yoruba Cultural Heritage as Catalyst for National and International Unity, Progress and Development- The Ayan-Agalu Example” is not only apt but timely given the legion of cultural erosion and neglect of core societal values that has pervaded most African countries, especially among the Yorubas’ of South West in Nigeria.”

Celebrating culture through the drums reinforces our collective desire and zeal to rejuvenate our moribund cultural heritages.

My involvement in the preservation, restoration, promotion of Africa’s and Yoruba’s Cultural Heritage and values dates back to over twenty years, an exploit which has taken me to over thirty countries of the world. Akanni said.

The occasion was also used to honour prominent Nigerians and Canadians, who have shown support for Nigeria’s culture and heritage.

Some of the awardees include Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, Executive Governor, Osun State; Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, The Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, post-humous award to late Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, Founder, DAAR Communication.

Others are Gerry Weiner, former Canadian Immigration Minister and Secretary of State of Canada, Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, Speaker, Oyo State House Of Assembly, Dele Momodu, Publisher, Ovation International Magazine, Musiliu Akinsanya Oluomo (MC), Chairman, Lagos State Parks and Garages, Nura Sani Kangiwa, Director General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism. Dr. Oludare Akande, Chairman, Bellagio Air and founder, American Polytechnic of Nigeria, Lawal Quadri Obawole. Baada of Otta, Awori Kingdom, Ogun State and Senior United States of America’ s military officers.

The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau commended Prince Segun Akanni for his hard work in organizing the festival and commitment for cultural exchange. He explained that Canada is truly a multicultural nation, made stronger and more resilient by diversity.

The Yoruba race is blessed with rich and prestigious tradition. We must celebrate and showcase these cultural festivals to the world to appreciate the diversity of our unique heritage. It is an honour to celebrate this festival and pay homage to the drumming prowess and legacy of Ayangulu.

One of the daughters of the convener, Olajire Grace Akanni, told the gathering that drums should be played to children because it helps them reduce stress and makes them smarter. Drumming is physically intense for kids but it helps burn calories in 30 minutes of play and dancing to its rhythm. Also When kids learn how to play the drum, it helps them not to be bored and it is very easy to learn.

Some of the dignitaries that graced the occasion includes the representative of the Nigeria High Commissioner/Ambassador, His Excellency Adeyinka Asekun; Mr. David Toyin Apinran, The Olota of Otta Awori, Ogun State, Oba (Prof) Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlegen; Oloba Of Oba Ile, Osun State and Deputy State Chairman of Osun State Council of Obas, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr) Adekunle Asamu Oyeyemi.

Others are Alagbara of Agbara, Ogun State, HRM Oba (Bar) Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade; Alakola of Akola Ijesa kingdom, Osun state, HRM Oba (Dr) Festus Adekunle Adeyemi; The Olojodu Of Ojoduland, Lagos State, HRM Oba (Dr) Samuel Olusegun Shobowale Benson; His Royal Majesty Oba Alagbe Adio Moroof Elegushi of Egushi Otta Awori Kingdom and His Royal Majesty, Oba Olanrewaju Ige, Alaaye of Ijesa land, Osun State, Councillor Ayo Owodunni, among others.

WHAT PROMINENT CITIZENS SAID 

The festival offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the richness, beauty and diversity of African and Nigerian culture, and highlighted many contributions that Canadians of African descent have made, and continue to make , to our country in all fields of endeavour” – Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Ontario is proud to be home to a vibrant African and Nigerian population. This festival is an opportunity for Ontarians to celebrate the many contributions these communities have made to the cultural and economic fabric of our province. I thank The Drum Online for organising this event, and for everything you do to keep African communities connected and informed” – Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario (Premier Ministre de Ontario)

I am very pleased with your initiative to convene the inaugural Drum Festival aimed at promoting the prestigious culture of the Yorubas from Southern part of Nigeria. Cultural diplomacy is a cardinal aspect of Nigeria’s foreign policy and a very key area of focus of the Nigeria High Commission In Ottawa. To this end, we are therefore glad to confirm our support for this event – HE Adeyinka Asekun, Nigeria High Commissioner to Canada

I am indeed proud of the organizer and his team for this noble and legendary initiative aimed at revamping our indigenous tradition and culture from a state of near oblivion to a realm of global pedestal of fame, relevance, and glory – Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State 

The Drum Festival has its root in the kingdom of Ife, South Western Nigeria and is a symbolic presentation of our culture, particularly in relation to our social live, religion, monarchy and other core aspects of our existence. I hereby congratulate my son, who is the convener of this initiative, Prince Segun Akanni and his team for their efforts in celebrating the prestigious Yoruba and indeed African culture – Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife

The Yoruba race is undoubtedly one of the most endowed races replete with rich and prestigious tradition and culture in the world today – The Mayor Of Brampton, Patrick Brown

I congratulate and felicitate with you for celebrating African, especially Yoruba culture and tradition, by organising the maiden The Drum Festival (Ayan-Agulu Festival) in Ontario, Canada – Aare Dele Momodu, Chairman Ovation Media Group

As a passionate Nigerian Canadian and a passionate advocate for the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage. I commend the organiser, The Drum Online Media, for their unwavering commitment to the recognition and promotion of Africa and Nigeria’s cultural heritage on both national and global platforms – Ayo Owodunmi, Kitchener City Councillor, Ward 5

More Felicitaions

Oba (Prof) Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye, Eburu of Iba, Osun State and guest speaker in his paper presentation on the theme of the festival said “reinventing the art of drumming may mean the revival of the profession in Yoruba society, the enhancement of the dignity of the practitioners, and the documentation of the drumming tradition in films for future scholarly studies.

The Olota of Otta, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Prof Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege, commended the organizer for showcasing Africa’s cultural products. I really admired how you have organized yourself, your resilience, and your untiring efforts to deliver this noble project.

Former Canadian Minister of Immigration and Secretary of State of Canada, Hon. Gerry Weiner said he hopes this cultural convergence would further reinforce and solidify the cultural relationship between Nigeria and Canada while also ensuring that both countries maintain and sustain the solidarity that the festival has the potential of establishing.

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Events

80th Birthday/25th Coronation Anniversary: High Society Celebrates Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun

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By Eric Elezuo

The playground of the Ogunmodede Secondary School, Epe, Lagos, was a beehive of activities on Saturday as it played host to the epoch making 80th birthday and 25th coronation anniversary celebrations of the paramount ruler of Epe Division, the Oloja of Epe, His Royal Majesty Oba Kamorodeen Ishola Animashaun.

The event was a conglomeration of the high and mighty in the society cutting across politics, religion, tradition and enterprise, as well as ethnic orientation.

Celebrated all week, the city of Epe witnessed the presence of the creme de of la creme of the society led by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who in his earlier goodwill message via his social media handle to the monarch, hinted that the octogenarian, who had reign a quarter of a century over his people, deserves every accolades that he gets.

“Oba Animashaun deserves all the accolades for his impactful and purposeful life, especially in the last 25 years of his reign as the Oloja of Epeland. He is the epitome of dedication and selflessness in community service,” the governor wrote in part.

During the week, just before the mother of all mega parties, marking the grand finale of the series of events, the monarch in his benevolence had sponsored a free medical outreach at the Epe General Hospital in addition to the distribution of food palliatives to indigenes of the land as a step to checkmate the current economic reality. The distribution of the palliative was conducted simultaneously across four areas in Epe to avoid stampedes.

Thereafter, a coronation lecture themed, The Future of Traditional Institutions in Nigeria: A Reframing of Current Realities, was held at Jubilee Chalet, Epe, and was delivered by a former Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Olarenwaju Fagbohun on Tuesday.

Also at the lecture, the former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, commended Oba Animashaun for his unwavering commitment to transforming his community into the next commercial hub in Lagos.

The monarch also conferred chieftaincy titles on three individuals in the community on Friday.

The following day was a pot pourri of activities with a line up of A-list dignitaries gracing the ancient city of Epe.

The event that was devoid of much speech, but rooted in merriment and royal interaction, was anchored by standuo comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, with levels of musical entertainment from the ageless Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, Queen Salawa Abeni and Beejay Sax. Each of the performers gave a standard that kept the royal guests mostly on their feet as they generated to sounds of yesteryear as well as seranades that energises the consciousness.

Among the cynosure of the occasion was the spellbounding ambience of the hall as Sapphires Event unleashed decorative class on the facility, giving colourful touches, with gold radiating superiority.

The expertise of Dew Drop Cakes was visible as the anniversary cake told the story of opulence and royalty in its elegant multiple steps, with reflexes and shades of gold.

Among the notable individuals, whose presence dignified the event were Lagos State Governor,  Babajide Sanwolu, and his wife, Ibijoke Sanwolu; Deputy Governor Babafemi Hamzat, Mr. Hakeem Muri Okunola, Chief Rasaq Okoya & wife, Shade, Justice Sola Oguntade, HRH Oba Oniru & his Olori, Mariam, HRM Oba Saheed Elegushi, HRM Oba Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu; HRM Oba Semiu Orimadegun, the Kasali of Igbogbo; Olorogun Sunny Kuku, Hon Abiodun Tobun, Otunba Lekan Osifeso & wife, Princess Vicky Hastrup, Aare Gani Adams and Otunba Lai Oriowo.

The occasion spared no expense as guests were treated to sumptuous local and intercontinental delicacies as well as choice beverages.

Oba Kamorodeen Ishola Animashaun was born in 1945, and assumed the Throne of his forebears in 2000 at the age of 55.

We wish the kabiyesi many more years of kingship, in good health and wealth.

Photos: Koya Adegbite

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Women FM Boss Gives Mum, Adenike Okewale, Befitting Burial in Abeokuta

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By Eric Elezuo

Friends, well wishers and family members from all walks of life were all present in Abeokuta, Ogun State to bid farewell to a.religious and community leader, Chief (Mrs) Adenike Susanah Okewale, who is the mother of the Managing Director, Women FM 91.7, Toun Okewale.

The 3-fold event, which took the very best of a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday was unprecedented, drawing media gurus and entrepreneurs among others to the Ok event centre, The African Church Cathedral of St. James, Idi-Ape, and Adebukola Adebutu Hall of the Elite Abeokuta Sports Club, also in Ibara (GRA) Housing Estate. The events were separated into the Commendation Service, Service of Songs/Wake, Lying-in-state, the funeral service,  interment and the grand reception.

Everything linked to the farewell was indeed suit for a beloved mother, adorable community leader a role model at large and lover of God.

The wake service, which was coordinated by ministers from The African Church Cathedral of St. James, was a combination of sober reflection and heartfelt gratitude for a life well lived as tributes, encomiums and eulogies from her children, grandchildren, friends and well-wishers flowed unhindered, going down to bring to the fore the life and times of the deceased who passed on at the age of 88.

In a tribute, one of her sons, Dr. Tunde Okewale, a gynaecologist and Managing Director of St. Ives Medical Center stressed that Mama Okewale was “a mother, not just a family member, but a guiding light, a comforting presence, and a loving soul. You were all that and more to me…”

He further noted that “Your love, kindness, and generosity inspired me every day. Your strength and resilience in the face of challenges taught me to be brave and courageous.

“Though you may be gone, your memory lives on in my heart. I cherish the moments we shared, the laughter, the tears, and the memories we created together.

“You will always be my role model, my confidante, and my best friend. I miss you dearly, but I know you’re watching over me from above.”

All other tributes from all and sundry toed the line of appreciation and commendation; the hallmark of Mama Okewale’s 88 years sojourn on planet earth.

The remains of the deceased was laid in-state at her residence for all and sundry to pay their last respects the day after, before it was moved in a motorcade to the church at Idi-Ape, for the funeral service where officiating ministers took turns to direct members of the family on proceedings including Bible readings, tributes and eulogies.

In his sermon, the minister-in-charge urged the congregation to move closer to God, adding that they should lay up treasures in heaven, using the life of the octogenarian as a case study.

Adding colours to the service was the African Lads Brigade, who in a magical display of near military operation, took turns to pay their last respects to the deceased, holding the crowd of worshippers in awe with the performance.

The ceremony was rounded off with prayers for the members of the family, after which her remains were interred at her residence, with only exclusive members of her family in attendance.

With the solemn ceremonies concluded, the attention shifted to the Adebukola Adebutu Hall of the Elite Abeokuta Sports Club, Ibara, where guests were lavishly entertained with assorted food and drinks, which flow in ceaseless supply with television pres3nter, Ambrose Shomide as anchor, and music of categories from Shola Babs and her band.

Nee Sobo, Adenike Ayoka Susanah Okewale was born on March 13, 1936 in Kemta Agotun Abeokuta to late Papa (Chief) Charles Adeyinka Sobo of Kemta Ago-Otun and late Mama Chief Agnes Olujimi Adufe Sobo of Ijeun both in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State. She grew up in a family that valued education and community service, a legacy she carried forward throughout her life.
In 1957, Adenike Sobo met her husband Olawale Okewale at Egba Divisional Teacher Training College Abeokuta, and two years later on Wednesday September 2, 1959, Adenike and Olawale got married. The is union blessed with five children as follows; Olufunmilola Adegboye, Babatunde Okewale, Titilola Ojuri, Adetoun Sonaiya and Tolulope Akinbami. It also produced many grand and great grandchildren.
Mama Okewale was called to glory on October 4, 2024 at enviable age of 88. May her soul rest in perfect peace!
Photos: Ken Ehimen

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Partners Eulogise Okewale, Women Radio 91.7 at Media Executives Dinner (Photos)

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By Eric Elezuo

The ball room of The Marriott Ikeja proved to be the best of hosts as the board of directors, management and staff of Voice of Women Foundation and Women FM 91.7, harness the pleasures and ambience of the vicinity to celebrate media bigwigs, who had identified with the brand over the years.

With a combination of good music by Shola Babs and her band, seasoned speeches by well wishers and colleagues and sumptuous continental and local dishes garnished with choice beverages, the evening lived up to its billings of classy.

In her thank you address, and double as welcome speech, the Chief Executive Officer, Women FM 91.7, Mrs. Toun Okewale, laid bare the journey of 10 years, noting that ‘we couldn’t have done it without you’.

Among personalities that graced the event were representatives of the Action Aid, a veritable alliance in the defence of women’s rights, Chairman, Board of Directors, Women FM, Mr. Okewale, Kiki Okewale, who is also a director of the organisation, veteran journalist, Bimbo Oloyede, songstress, Wunmi Obe, finance expert, Gbenga Okusanya, representatives of African Independent Television (AIT), Channels Television, The Sun Newspaper, Vanguard, Ovation International and a host of others.

In their separate responses, coordinated by Miss Esther, the organization’s Programmes Manager, speakers hailed Okewale as a thorough go-getter, who has changed the face of journalism and with special emphasis to radio and general broadcasting.

Photos: Ken Ehimen

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