Culture

Lagos to celebrate Yoruba week annually

Published

2 years ago

April 30, 2024

The Lagos State Government has announced intentions to designate the last week of September each year as “Yoruba Week” to honour Yoruba culture.

According to a press statement issued on Monday by Eromosele Ebhomele, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the measure is intended to protect and promote Yoruba traditional legacy.

The decision was communicated to the Lagos State House of Assembly via a letter from the executive branch, following a resolution voted by legislators on September 19, 2023, calling for the activation of Yoruba cultural legacy and the designation of a specific day as Yoruba Day.

The letter, dated April 8, 2024, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, stated, “Sequel to the resolution of the House at its plenary of Tuesday, September 19, 2023, on the activation of Yoruba cultural heritage and a special day to be assigned as Yoruba Day, I have the directive to officially convey Mr. Governor’s approval for the last week of September as Yoruba Week.”

In response to the news, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his cabinet for the move, characterising it as “good development.”

Obasa stated that Yoruba culture and tradition are very important and must be preserved, and that the House is prepared to support the government in ensuring the success of the planned Yoruba Week.

Meanwhile, during Monday’s plenary session, the Lagos State House of Assembly held a minute of silence in memory of the late former governor of old Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who was buried while the House was in recess.

The Speaker paid tribute to the late politician, describing him as a “pan-Nigerian who supported the Yorubas and the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), especially during the dark days of military reign and following the struggle for Chief MKO Abiola.”

“We remember how he proudly stepped down for Olu Falae back then, in 1999,” Obasa said.

The Yoruba Week event is expected to highlight various parts of Yoruba culture, such as traditional costume, music, dancing, cuisine, and other forms of cultural expression, in order to promote and preserve the Yoruba people’s rich legacy.

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Ofala festival: Obi of Onitsha marks 25 Years on throne

Published

4 days ago

October 23, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Ofala Festival 2026 celebrated Onitsha’s royal heritage as Obi Nnaemeka Achebe marked 25 years on the throne and addressed Nigeria’s economic challenges.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

4 days ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.