The Yoruba Day celebration, scheduled for today, Monday (September 23, 2024) at the University of Ibadan, will gather prominent figures from across Nigeria to honour Yoruba culture and heritage.
This year’s event will also celebrate the 85th birthday of Chief Eda Onileola, a revered Yoruba leader.
Among the notable attendees are President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In addition to these leaders, a number of respected figures from other ethnic nationalities, such as the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, are also expected to join in the festivities.
The event will feature the prestigious Ori Olokun Odu’a Awards, recognizing 26 individuals for their contributions to Yoruba culture, public service, and various professional fields.
The awardees include key political figures, academics, and cultural leaders who have made significant impacts both within and outside the Yoruba community.
List of 2024 Yoruba Day Awardees:
Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, daughter of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Dr Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State.
Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
Otunba (Senator) Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State.
Mr Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police.
Hon (Justice) Olukayode Ariwoola, retired Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Senator Shehu Sani, a well-known hero of the June 12 movement.
Prof Kayode Adebowale, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.
Prof Isaac Adewole, former Minister of Health and ex-Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.
Yoruba movie stars Kunle Afod and Ibrahim Chatta, among others.
This year’s celebration promises to be a rich cultural affair, with a blend of traditional performances, speeches from prominent Yoruba leaders, and the award ceremony itself.
The event will also highlight the importance of unity among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups, as reflected by the presence of national leaders from the Arewa Consultative Forum and Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Oloye Lekan Alabi, a cultural ambassador and the former Chief Press Secretary to four Oyo State governors, will serve as the moderator for the event.
