Festivals

Fury Over Award Of Osun Osogbo Festival’s Contract To Non-Yoruba Firm

Published

1 month ago

August 3, 2024

Fury Over Award Of Osun Osogbo Festival’s Contract To Non-Yoruba Firm

STAKEHOLDERS in Osun State have expressed displeasure over an allegation that major contracts pertaining to the 2024 Osun Osogbo Festival were awarded to a firm that belongs to a non-Yoruba person.

Akonitv reports that according to the aggrieved stakeholders, some state governments in the South West have been fond of giving out vital contracts to consulting firms and agencies owned by people who are not from the region.

Citing the particular case of the award of marketing rights of the Osun Osogbo festival to a non-indigenous agency, the stakeholders held that the development contradicts the historical dignity of the Yoruba race and sounds sacrilegious.

They, therefore called for the immediate revocation of the contract, saying that the involvement of an Igbo company undermines the festival’s authenticity and values to Yoruba heritage.

But reacting to the development, the Spokesperson to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Olawale Rasheed, described the news linking Governor Adeleke to the award of the contract to a non-indigene as fake.

“We seek to clarify clearly that neither the governor nor the state government is the organiser of Osun Osogbo festival. Those who need information on Osun Osogbo festival are directed to reach out to the Ataoja in-Council,” he said.

Also, the Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Adebisi Olawale, said he did not know the aspect of the festival that was contracted out because there are many aspects to the festival.

He said: “There are never a time other members of ethnic groups partake in any contractual aspect of the festival.”

However, a source within the Ataoja’s palace who craved anonymity in a telephone interview with Akonitv yesterday, said the allegation may be the handiwork of mischief makers.

The source said the consultancy application for the Osun Osogbo festival was thrown open for different for firms to apply, saying the qualified one was selected at the end of a thorough process.

“We made the application open for everyone to apply and the one who can offer us the best was selected based on their experience without discriminating. We cannot choose someone who cannot give us the best because he or she is from Osun or Yoruba.

“Those who are aggrieved are the ones who were not selected for the consultancy of the festival,” the source said.

Also, a staff of the Osun/Osogbo grove who do not want his name in print told Akonitv that the person handling the project is not an Igbo as being spread in the media.

The staff noted that the consultant handling the project is a half-caste, saying others are furious because they are not favoured for the contract.

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Festivals

Durbar festival: key to cultural unity and economic growth in Ilorin

Published

18 hours ago

September 12, 2024

Lanre

The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union highlights the Durbar festival’s role in addressing cultural and social issues, promoting unity, and boosting the local economy.

The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) has emphasised the significance of the Durbar festival in Ilorin.

Alhaji AbdulMumini AbdulMalik, President of the union, revealed that the festival was introduced by the Emir of Ilorin as part of a cultural revival effort aimed at addressing both cultural and social issues.

Also read: Arochukwu kingdom prepares for unique 2024 Ikeji festival in September

The Durbar festival is designed to counteract the negative effects of external influences on local youth by fostering unity and encouraging positive social interactions.

It strengthens community bonds and supports the local economy, particularly in tourism and hospitality sectors.

By providing a cultural alternative to un-Islamic and traditional carnivals, the Durbar festival offers a constructive outlet for youth.

AbdulMalik also praised State Governor Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq for his development efforts, which are enhancing Ilorin’s status as a prominent state capital.

Festivals

Over 1,100 entries for 2024 Lagos international festival of animation

Published

4 days ago

September 9, 2024

Lanre

The 2024 Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA) will showcase over 1,100 entries from 112 countries. The festival, held from October 29 to 31, highlights global and African talent, with significant submissions from the US, Nigeria, and France.

The 2024 Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA) is set to feature an impressive 1,106 entries from 112 countries, marking its position as one of Africa’s premier animation festivals.

The festival will run from October 29 to 31 and promises to be a significant event for showcasing animation talent on a global scale.

Also read: Lagos shines at sango festival celebration in Oyo

The United States has led with the highest number of submissions, contributing 142 short films, while Nigeria tops the list of African countries with 28 entries.

South Africa follows with 19 submissions. In Europe, France leads with 62 entries, with the United Kingdom trailing with 46 submissions.

Festival founder and director Muyiwa Kayode expressed gratitude for the continued support of the Bank of Industry, which is sponsoring the event for the second consecutive year.

Kayode emphasized that this support highlights the bank’s recognition of the creative industry as a vital economic growth sector.

LIFANIMA, established in 2016, aims to promote African animation and is endorsed by the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB).

In collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Embassy of France in Nigeria, the festival covers various animation forms and visual effects, awarding entries in five categories: 2D animation, 3D animation, stop motion animation, visual effects, and animation commercials.

The festival will feature screenings of selected works, award presentations, networking opportunities, and entertainment.

As the second-largest animation film festival in Africa, LIFANIMA continues to play a crucial role in celebrating and advancing the animation industry on the continent.

Festivals

Arochukwu kingdom prepares for unique 2024 Ikeji festival in September

Published

7 days ago

September 6, 2024

Lanre

The Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, has announced that the 2024 Arochukwu New Yam Festival, also known as the Ikeji Festival, will take place this September. This year’s event promises to be uniquely different with a display of arts, culture, entertainment, traditional cuisines, and tourism activities.

The Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, has revealed that the 2024 Arochukwu New Yam Festival, also known as the Ikeji Festival, will be held this September.

Speaking during a global Zoom session, ‘Ububo Eze Aro n’Umu Aro’, with over 375 participants, the monarch stated that this year’s festival will feature a wide array of arts, culture, entertainment, and traditional cuisines, making it a uniquely exciting experience for all attendees.

Also read: Cross River State Priorities Agriculture at Leboku Yam Festival

Eze Dr Oji emphasised that the 2024 Ikeji Festival will stand out from previous years, with the reintroduction of traditional delicacies and classical activities that were popular in the past.

The festival will span four special days dedicated to welcoming visitors, friends, family, and tourists from around the world to celebrate in Arochukwu.

The monarch expressed his vision for transforming Arochukwu into a year-round tourism destination, attracting visitors every month with various cultural events.

He also highlighted efforts to ensure peace within the kingdom, positioning Arochukwu as not only a cultural hub but also an economic and industrial zone.

These initiatives are aimed at boosting tourism and making Arochukwu a key destination in Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscape.