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    Ooni formally receives Queen Opeoluwa with palace traditional rites (Videos)

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    [dropcap]A[/dropcap]role Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwui,CFR, Ojaja II, The Ooni of Ife has formally received his wife, Olori(Dr) Opeoluwa Elizabeth Akinmuda in line with customs and traditions of the Ife Kingdom known as source of the entire Oduduwa race worldwide.

    The two day event which started with the historic arrival of the queen at the Ile-Oodua palace of the Ooni in Ile-Ife at about 8:pm on Friday in company of her parent, family members and friends, also continued on Saturday with a brief thanksgiving service 11am and 12 midday inside the banquet room at the palace followed by a 2 hour recess to allow for other rites and subsequently climaxed by the reception party and entertainment of guests at main hall right inside palace lasted the whole day.

    Friday

    The queen being ushered in by a group of women into the palace after she was received by a retinue of the Ooni’s traditional aides known as ‘Emese Ooni’ who led her to the Sacred “Yemoolu Well” to perform her first assignment as an Ooni’s wife. She was told a brief history of “Yemoolu” a one time Ooni’s queen who transformed to the sacred well which has since become mandatory Ooni’s water for drinking and other important uses at the palace.

    Having administered the Yemoolu rites on her, the Queen was escorted to the official residence of the Ooni where the waiting Ife high chiefs and Iyalodes led by The Lowa Adimula of Ife, High Chief Adekola Adeyeye rained traditional prayers on her and officially received her into the Ile-Oodua(palace ) before she was handed over by her father to the Olori Agba(most senior wife) in the Ogunwusi Royal family, Olori Margret Ogunwusi who handed her to Olori Mariam flanked by Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi.

    Having been received by her husband, Queen Elizabeth was made to sit beside her husband as the rites continued till about 10pm before she was finally led to her residence which is less than 50 meters from the Ooni’s official residence.

    Saturday

    The colourful wedding ceremony which took inside the Multipurpose hall at the palace was witnessed by creme-de-la-creme of the society including the Olota of Ota Awori, HRM, Oba(Prof) Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege. The cutting of the masterpiece cake for the wedding was supervised by the SookoLaekun of Ife, Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi who doubles as The Head Of The Princes Of Ife Kingdom.

    Speaking at the event, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Former president of Nigeria represented by King (Dr.) Amalate Turner, Obanobhan of Oloibiri Kingdom, Bayelsa State, expressed happiness to be at the event celebrating with the foremost monarch on his wedding celebration.

    “Ooni Ogunwusi has been a lover of peace and promotes it in every fora he is. Since mounting the throne of his forebears, he has been propagating peace all round the globe and we are very proud of him”. He said.

    It will be recalled that Ooni Ogunwusi had in the first week of October 2022 married Dr Opeoluwa Elizabeth Akinmuda, an Awori Princess room Ajibode Community in Ota, Ogun state, Nigeria, who is a PhD holder and Scotland-UK based Electronic Data Processor. She became his second wife at a traditional wedding engagement in Magodo, Lagos few days after taking Olori Mariam Ogunwusi as his first wife.

    The formal entry to the Ooni’s Palace by the queen is in fulfillment of the necessary spiritual and traditional rites in accordance with inherited royal wedding culture of Ile-Ife.

    @freelanews Ooni Ogunwusi and Olori Lizzy Akinmuda Ogunwusi officially becomes one today #naijapolitics #tiktoknaija #foryou #trending #fyp #goviral ♬ original sound – GOD❤️IS🥰 THE🤲BEST🙏💯

    @freelanews Ooni arrives his wedding reception #ileife #ooni #goviral #fyp #foryou #trending #tiktoknaija ♬ original sound – Freelanews

    Events

    Indomie Noodles celebrates Nigerian culture with vibrant Abuja carnival sponsorship

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    Abuja Carnival 2024

    Indomie Noodles sponsored the 2024 Abuja Carnival, uniting Nigerians through culture, tourism, and delightful brand experiences.

     

    Indomie Noodles has reaffirmed its dedication to celebrating Nigeria’s cultural diversity by sponsoring the 2024 Abuja Carnival.

    This highly anticipated event, making a triumphant return after an eight-year hiatus, showcased Nigeria’s rich traditions and vibrant heritage while promoting unity and boosting tourism.

     

    Also read: Rivers State shines as overall winner at 2024 Abuja international carnival

     

    The carnival began with a captivating opening ceremony, where Vice President Kashim Shettima set the tone with a passionate call for cultural celebration and national unity.

    For four days, participants and attendees experienced a spectacular fusion of colour, music, and tradition.

    One of the carnival’s most striking features was the grand assembly of participating states at the iconic Area 1 Bridge. Dressed in elaborate traditional attire and vibrant floats, they created a dazzling visual spectacle.

    Amidst the celebrations, Indomie stood out by offering magical and memorable experiences to carnival-goers, strengthening its bond with the Nigerian audience.

    Indomie’s uniquely decorated experiential booth was a hub of activity. Attendees enjoyed exciting games and delicious servings of freshly prepared noodles, while children enthusiastically joined in on the fun.

    The brand’s canvassers mingled with the crowd, further enlivening the festive atmosphere.

     

    Speaking on the sponsorship, Oluwaponmile Alabi, Indomie’s Marketing Manager, shared the company’s vision:

    “Indomie is a family brand; we are more than just a meal. Our participation in the carnival is part of our commitment to bringing people together and celebrating what matters most to Nigerians. Every bowl of Indomie served at the Abuja Carnival symbolises our shared identity and culture.”

     

    The carnival hosted a variety of activities, including enthralling street parades, traditional cooking competitions, children’s carnivals, cultural nights, and a grand masquerade fiesta.

    Indomie’s presence enriched these events, adding a delicious twist to the celebrations.

     

    Highlighting the company’s cultural alignment, Alabi added:

    “At Indomie, we believe that a brand that doesn’t evolve is destined to fade. Culture is the heartbeat of every Nigerian’s way of life, and it’s the perfect bridge to deepen our connection with consumers. We’re stepping into the new year with a renewed focus, aligning our flavours and identity with the vibrant culture that defines Nigeria.”

     

    Indomie’s active engagement at the carnival not only celebrated Nigeria’s heritage but also strengthened its position as a brand deeply woven into the fabric of Nigerian life.

    This sponsorship exemplifies its commitment to fostering unity, celebrating cultural diversity, and creating unforgettable consumer experiences.

    The Abuja Carnival 2024 will undoubtedly be remembered as a resounding success, and Indomie Noodles played a key role in ensuring its flavourful legacy.

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    Culturati Festival 2024: celebrating Africa’s diversity and unity in Lagos

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    Culturati Festival Lagos 2024

    Culturati Festival 2024 celebrates African culture with vibrant showcases, youth empowerment, and economic growth at Lagos’ iconic Freedom Park.

     

     

    The 18th edition of the Culturati Festival, a premier celebration of African culture and heritage, is set to take place from 5th to 7th December 2024 at Freedom Park, Lagos Island.

    Themed “Celebrate Diversity and Unity,” the festival promises a dynamic showcase of Africa’s rich cultural mosaic, blending tradition with modernity in the vibrant city of Lagos.

     

    Also read: Lagos Govt Set To Promote Cross-Cultural Heritage At Culturella Festival

     

    Organised by Culturati Africa in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, this year’s festival features initiatives that go beyond entertainment.

    Among these is the Culturati Community Library, a platform advocating for literacy and cultural education, ensuring that the region’s heritage remains accessible and impactful for future generations.

    At a recent press conference, Adetola Bakinson, CEO of Culturati Africa, highlighted the festival’s mission as more than a celebration.

    “Culturati is a movement dedicated to promoting cultural diversity, fostering empowerment, and creating economic and creative growth across the continent,” she stated.

    This year’s festival includes a trade fair for nearly 100 SMEs, organised in partnership with Naijabrandchick, offering businesses visibility, networking opportunities, and access to a broader audience.

    The initiative underscores the festival’s focus on economic empowerment, particularly within Lagos’ vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

    The Culturati Academy, another key initiative, has already empowered over 10,000 young Nigerians with skills in digital marketing, video production, and content creation.

    Bakinson reaffirmed the festival’s commitment to equipping more youth with the tools needed to thrive in creative industries, driving sustainable growth in the cultural sector.

    Freedom Park, a former colonial-era prison turned arts and culture hub, will undergo further transformation during the festival.

    As a symbol of resilience and freedom, the venue will be refurbished to enhance its appeal as a major cultural and tourist landmark.

    “This isn’t just a festival,” Bakinson concluded, “It’s a movement for culture, empowerment, and economic growth. By integrating cultural diversity into Lagos’ development agenda, we aim to boost the state’s economy and reaffirm its status as a global cultural destination.”

    The Culturati Festival 2024 promises to attract dignitaries, creatives, and tourists from around the world, solidifying Lagos as a beacon of African culture and unity.

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    Nigerian, Linda Ifeoma Onyelabara, Wins Chinese Category at 2024 China-Africa Singing Competition

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    Linda Ifeoma Onyelabara China-Africa Singing Competition

    Miss Linda Ifeoma Onyelabara, a Nigerian graduate of Business Education and a Master’s degree holder in Chinese language, has emerged as the winner of the Chinese Language category at the 2024 Good Partners of China and Africa Chinese and English Singing Competition.

     

    The competition, aimed at fostering cultural ties between China and Nigeria through music and language, was held in Abuja, with participants competing in two categories: English and Chinese.

     

    A Historic Victory

    Linda, who competed in a field dominated by native Chinese speakers, walked away with a cash prize of ₦500,000 for her exceptional performance. She described her win as a dream come true, noting its significance in her artistic journey.

    “This competition is a pivotal moment in my journey. Personally, I write songs, and I think this is an opportunity for me to step out of my shell and showcase my talent,” she said.

    Linda attributed her success to determination and hard work, emphasizing the importance of learning additional languages.

    “When I was in school, I wanted to work in an embassy. I realized I needed to learn a language other than my mother tongue. The Chinese language offers vast opportunities in employment and cultural exchange,” she added.

    Bridging Cultures Through Music

    The event was organized by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria and the China Cultural Center, in collaboration with China Harbour Engineering Company Nigeria Limited.

    The Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Yang Jianxing, highlighted the role of music as a universal language that strengthens ties between nations.

    “Music transcends borders, connects hearts, and showcases the richness of cultural expression. This event celebrates the enduring friendship between China and Nigeria through vibrant cultural exchange,” he said.

    Other Winners

    In the English Language category, Tan Jian clinched the first prize, also taking home ₦500,000. The second and third prizes in both categories were awarded ₦300,000 and ₦200,000, respectively.

    Encouraging Multilingualism

    Linda’s victory underscores the importance of language and cultural exchange in strengthening global relationships. As a role model, she encourages Nigerians to explore new languages, including Chinese, as pathways to greater opportunities in both personal and professional spheres.

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