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

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

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
Events
Billionaire Businessman, Razaq Okoya Celebrates Grand 85th Birthday

By Eric Elezuo
“My prayer is to enjoy good health, long life, and leave the legacy of my industry behind. I want Eleganza to outlive me and continue with my philosophy of philanthropy.”
The array of dignitaries, and by implication, the calibre of personalities that turned out to celebrate the 85th birthday of renowned industrialist, philanthropist and nation builder, Chief Razaq Okoya, was a testimony that the ebullient go-getter has affected not a few lives.
Held in his palatial Oluwa Ni N Sola Estate residence, the event paraded a galaxy of stars including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke; former Military Governor of the Old Imo State, General Ike Nwachukwu (retd); Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Hamzat, Publisher, Ovation Group, Chief Dele Momodu, notable traditional rulers from the South West, corporate Chiefs, religious leaders, and a hits of A-list personalities.
Also in the parade of highly acclaimed individuals, who thronged the carnival-like venue was top artists, Davido and K1 the Ultimate, who seranaded the guests with their most sought after hit tracks, giving the guests a deep felt euphoria that helped the charged atmosphere of camaraderie in the hall.
Noting that “I have worked all my life, it’s time to relax”, a much elated Chief Okoya, was everywhere, giving and receiving pleasantries, betraying his four score and five years. The octogenarian, supported by his wife, Shade, was full of energy and can-do-attiude.
Born Razaq Akanni Okoya on January 12, 1940, the businessman is by every ramification a man of timbre and calibre. He is always counted among billionaire businessmen, whose stock and trade is humanity, and has primarily become the peoples general considering his philanthropic gestures, unassuming personality and not forgetting his kind mien.
Oko Shade, as most eulogists would like to fondly address him, in reference to his beautiful last wife, is a man who has achieved milestones after milestones, creating a niche for himself and for generations to come through a dint of hard work, culminating in the birth and sustenance of the formidable Eleganza Group.
Today, the man of means, humble background, father to wave makers and husband to the beautiful and glamorous Shade, has clocked 85, and he did not keep quiet about it. The efforts and means that went into the hosting of the 85th birthday, again spoke volumes of enterpreneurial height and societal cadre the billionaire businessman has climbed.
Chief Okoya, sometimes aptly described as the tailor, who became a billionaire, a business man of no mean repute as well as Aare of Lagos, have seen all there is to see, and continue to hold his head high in triumph. He was educated at Ansar-un-deen Primary School, Oke popo, Lagos. He is the owner and founder of Eleganza group of companies, which has a market spanning Western Africa.
He was born to the family of Tiamiyu Ayinde Okoya in Lagos, under whose tutelage he mastered the art of tailoring and sales of tailoring accessories. Little wonder his first career endeavour was tailoring. He combined the values his parents taught with dexterity and prudence, and saved every penny he made until he had 20 pounds. With an extra 50 pounds gift from his mother, and blessings from his father, he launched into the world of importation, and that tells the story of his meteoric rise in the world of trading.
A man of vision, he didn’t stop there, Okoya continually looked out for glimpses of opportunity to take advantage of, and that was when he realised that medals used in designing costly jewellery were readily available in Nigeria, and cheap too. He therefore, travelled abroad and bought the machines for cutting, and that was how Eleganza Jewellery came to be. With his Midas touch, the business grew in leaps and bounds, and they could hardly keep up with the demand because, the products were beautiful, durable and cheap.
Gathering more impetus, Okoya delved into more endeavours, travelled far and wide, learnt how things were manufactured and began the importation of shoes in large quantities, subsequently.
Like everything has a cause and effect, Razak Okoya later began the manufacturing of shoes himself when after placing orders for his consignments from Italy, it was not delivered in spite of his payment. To his disappointment, he realised on travelling to Italy that his money has been channeled to other things. He was so angry that he took a decision there and then to start manufacturing his own shoes. He imported all the machines and brought in some experts who trained his workers.
Chief Okoya phenomenal growth in the world of entrepreneurship could well be attributed to his ability to make a decision early in life. He has been quoted as saying that “In school, I could see my teacher in worn and often shabby clothes and at the same time, I could see the well-dressed businessmen of Dosunmu Street, the heart of business in Lagos then. It was easy for me to choose business life.” Obviously, he understood quite on time why he should opt for business at the detriment of prolonged education. And it paid off. As far as he is concerned, education gives people ‘false confidence’.
His magnificent and loud residence, nicknamed “Oluwa ni Shola” (The Lord creates wealth) Estate at Lekki/Ajah Expressway is a clear testimony of how successful he has become. The Estate, which is home to a good number of expatriates, is well equipped with uninterrupted power and water supply, marble floors, central air-conditioning, sauna, lush gardens, billiard room, tennis court, swimming pools, expensive sculptures and lots more.
His business acumen as the Chairman, has helped to tutor Eleganza Industries, and today, it produces a wide range of household goods and utensils including cutlery, collieries, food warmers, ice chest, electric fan, cosmetics and ballpoint pen.
Located at various centres including Oregun-Ikeja, Isolo, Alaba and Iganmu, Okoya’s Eleganza directly employs over five thousand Nigerians and non-Nigerians including those working in his RAO Property Investment Company. The Group is one of the biggest homegrown conglomerates in Nigeria today, with over six factories, and its products are household names in neighbouring African markets.
Explaining the secrets of business success, Okoya revealed that “You do not do business for the ego value. You go for what the people can afford. In business, you have to ensure that the masses are able to afford the cost of your products. That is one of my secrets.” He added that he was motivated by the desire to be rich, and that explains why he had to work very hard to achieve that very aim.
On politics, Okoya has made it that he is not one for that, saying he does not expose himself to intrigues. Hear him: ” I keep to myself. I do not look at other people. I am content with myself. I do not look for cheap money. I am not interested in contracts and I do not expose myself to intrigues and politics.”
Okoya’s achievements have been recognised in different spheres among which is the Lifetime Achievement Award as Business Entrepreneur of Our Time by ThisDay Newspapers. He is also a recipient of CON national honours.
A diligent and disciplined family man, Okoya has fathered many children from several marriages. One of his senior wives of over 50 years marriage is Kuburat Olayinka Okoya who had seven children. His other wives are Ajoke Okoya, Yetunde Okoya, Jennifer Okoya, Zainab Okoya.
His last wife is Shade Okoya, with whom he has four children as follows: Olamide, Subomi, Oyinlola and Wahab.
As you revel in the euphoria of four score and five years sir, we wish you the happiest of existence!
Events
Adedapo Amoo Gives Dad Befitting Burial in Ogbomosho

By Eric Elezuo
It was a period of solemn reflection and thanksgiving as the Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Lagos State Command, Mr. Adedapo Amoo, dedicated three whole days to bid his beloved father, Pa John Adewole Amoo JP, farewell to the great beyond.
The events, which gathered friends, family members, colleagues, associates and members of various communities, was a testament to the life the octogenarian lived in his 87 years of existence on earth.
The obsequies kickstarted with a Commendation Service at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Eleyele, Ile-Ife, where members of the public eulogised the life and times of the patriarch of the Amoo dynasty, labeling him a moralist and disciplinary of no mean fit.
The day after, the ceremonies moved to the residence of the deceased at Castle of Mercy, Arinkinkin, along Oyo-Ibadan Road, Ogbomoso, where a Wake Service was held in his honour amid rendition of hymns, reading of distinct chapters of the Bible and exhortation as presented by the presiding minister.
A well attended funeral service was observed on the third day at the Stadium Baptist Church, John A. Amoo Street, right behind Stadium Complex in Ogbomosho.
With a solemn presentation of the enviable life of the deceased via the reading of his biography by his son, Adedapo Amoo, the Service delved into Bible readings, songs and sermon. One of the highlights of the Service was the prayers said for the repose of the soul of the dead, and for the fortitude to bear the loss for members of his family.
After the service, members of the family, selected members of the leity and officiating members proceeded with the remains to its final resting place within the premises of his residence. After a very short encouraging exhortation, the remains were committed to mother-earth amid solemn hymns and silent sobs.
The final part of the ceremony, which was the reception, was held at the Viva Continental Event Centre, Irese Apa Road, also in Ogbomosho, where guests were treated to sumptuous delicacies, good music and choice beverages.
Pa Amoo was born in 1937, and answered the call to glory in 2024. He is survived by his son, Adedapo Amoo and a host of others.
May his soul rest in peace!
Photos: Tunde Bolarinwa
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