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    Osun Osogbo 2023: Culture, Celebration As Adeleke Promises More Arty Promotions

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    With the whole city of Osogbo agog, this year’s Osun Osogbo festival lived up to its billing at the Osun State capital as one of West Africa’s most outstanding festivals.

    The festival takes place every year in Osogbo, Nigeria, celebrating the goddess of fertility, Osun.

    It renews the contract between humans and the divine, when the people expect the goddess of Osun to offer grace to the community.

    From the departure of the Votary Maid to the main arena of Osun Sacred Groov, the city of Osogbo felt the pulsating spirit of the festival.

    In his address at the grand finale on Friday, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke said, from time immemorial, Osun Osogbo has gained global recognition.

    In felicitating with Kabiyesi, the Ataoja- in -Council, all traditional leaders and all pillars of cultural society, Governor Adeleke said the occasion was to witness “a rebranded festival which celebrates our traditionalism. As our culture is our bloodline, we all recognize where we are coming from and who we are as a people.

    “Our culture and tradition are therefore the foundation of our strength as a people. We are therefore obliged to deploy culture as a tool for state and national development. This is the practice in Asia. That is the secret of the successes of South Korea, Japan and many of the Asian tigers.

    “This year’s celebration therefore provides the greatest opportunity ever for our people to have a new look at our culture and tradition. We are challenged to capitalise on our rich culture to build an economically sound and virile nation.

    “As a government, our administration has a tourism and cultural industry agenda. During the campaign and within the transition committee , we devised far-reaching programmes and policies for the arts, culture and tourism industry. We indeed created a new holistic approach by adding the creative industry as a whole.

    “Our agenda targets the genuine globalization of our cultural heritage as a major building blocks of our economy. We expand beyond mere celebration of Osun Osogbo festival and other assets to making them the cornerstone of a truly cultural and tourism industry. We are creating a series of global cultural events that will attract millions of tourists all over the world. We are integrating our local economy into a global creative and cultural industry.

    “Hence our rich cultural heritage will become a cherished product of value at home and abroad. Our agenda is to create a Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem out of Osun State as the cradle of the Yoruba race.”

    As a starting point Adeleke said his administration had facelifted the Osun groove promising that the state would witness other world-class programmes in the areas of arts, culture and entertainment.

    Source: TCN

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    Igbere Cultural Festival: Promoting Heritage and Unity

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    Igbere Cultural Festival

    The Igbere Cultural Festival celebrates the ancestral heritage of 13 villages in Abia State, uniting communities through tradition and culture.

     

     

    Eminent entrepreneur and politician Chimaobi Anyaso has lauded the annual Igbere Cultural Festival for its role in preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Igbere people.

    The festival, held in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, is sponsored by the OUK Foundation, founded by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

    Speaking during the event at Amaiyi Village, Anyaso commended the former governor of Abia State for his unwavering support of the festival, which celebrates the ancestral practices of Igbere’s 13 villages.

    The event showcases the unique folklore, traditional cuisines, dances, hospitality, attire, and language nuances of each community.

    “This is a remarkable initiative to promote our forefathers’ culture, especially the positive aspects,” Anyaso said. “Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s efforts to unite the people and celebrate our heritage are commendable.

    It’s a sacrifice that fosters reconnection with our roots and sets an example for others to emulate.”

    Anyaso urged both the government and private sectors to increase investments in Nigeria’s cultural and tourism industries, emphasising their potential for substantial economic returns.

    The 4th edition of the Igbere Cultural Festival, a two-day event, was held simultaneously across all 13 villages of Igbere: Agbo, Eziama, Amaukwu, Amakpo, Amankalu, Ibinanta, Amaofufu, Ibinaukwu, Umunsi, Okafia, Ohumola, Amaoji, and Amaiyi.

    The celebration featured an array of traditional activities, including local food processing, wrestling, drama, folklore, poetry, lectures, dancing, and beauty contests.

    Foreign tourists from the Republic of China also attended, enjoying the warm hospitality of the Igbere people, the pleasant weather, and the region’s scenic hilly landscape.

    Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, in a statement, highlighted the festival’s role in promoting unity, peace, and social interaction.

    “The cultural splendour of the 13 villages was once again reinvigorated, leaving a lasting impression on participants. This event is a testament to our historical existence and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage,” Kalu said.

    The festival not only strengthens community ties but also showcases Nigeria’s vibrant cultural diversity to a global audience, positioning it as a key event in the nation’s cultural tourism calendar.

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    Destination Lagos Awards 2024: A night to celebrate culture, tourism, and excellence

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    Destination Lagos Awards 2024

    Lagos celebrates tourism and culture with the Destination Lagos Awards 2024, honouring contributions to the city’s growth and development.

     

    Today, Friday, December 27, 2024, Lagos will shine once again with the highly anticipated Destination Lagos Awards 2024 and the glamourous beauty pageant, Oju-Ibile Eko, taking place at the John Randle Cultural Centre in Onikan.

    The event promises to be a spectacular celebration of the state’s cultural heritage, tourism, and the contributions of influential figures in the industry.

     

    Also read: Recognition awards celebrate exceptional service during black history month

     

    This year’s awards come on the heels of the IPADA Initiative Celebration 2024 fiesta, which has captivated global attention over the past ten days.

    The recent festivities included a host of exciting events such as the Lagos Boat Regatta 2024, where vibrant displays from Lagos’ five Ibile divisions dazzled audiences with intricately decorated boats, live performances, rowing competitions, and much more, leaving attendees with lasting memories of Lagos’ aquatic excellence and cultural vibrancy.

    The Destination Lagos Awards 2024 is the brainchild of renowned tourism expert Apata Nunanyon Sampson, the Project Director and National Vice President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN).

    Sampson has worked tirelessly to position Lagos as a global tourism destination, and today, the event will honour the efforts of key stakeholders, including Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who will be recognised for his unparalleled commitment to the tourism sector.

    Sampson praised Governor Sanwo-Olu’s visionary leadership, which has significantly contributed to the development of Lagos’ tourism sector.

    “The Governor’s administration has been instrumental in promoting tourism in Lagos State. His vision for tourism development is unparalleled, and we are proud to recognise his efforts through the Destination Lagos Awards,” Sampson stated.

    Today’s event will not only spotlight the achievements of individuals and organisations in the tourism and hospitality industry, but also celebrate Lagos State’s diverse and rich cultural heritage.

    The activities lined up include cultural performances, an Art and Crafts exhibition showcasing the finest works of local artists and artisans, a Fashion Display featuring the latest trends in Lagos’ vibrant fashion scene, and a beauty pageant, Oju-Ibile Eko.

    There will also be an exclusive performance by the Indian community in Lagos, adding an international flair to the celebration.

    The Destination Lagos Awards 2024 will also provide a platform to recognise outstanding contributions to the growth and success of the hospitality sector, with awards set to be presented to key figures and organisations that have played a pivotal role in shaping Lagos as a global destination of choice.

    Speaking ahead of today’s event, Mr. Diwesh, Managing Director of Donias and Head of the Expatriate Communities Committee for the event, shared his excitement for the unique opportunity that this occasion represents.

    “The Destination Lagos Awards 2024 is a chance to showcase Lagos’ diverse cultural landscape and celebrate those who have contributed to its growth in tourism.

    We are committed to making this event a resounding success and reinforcing Lagos’ position as a premier global destination,” he said.

    The Destination Lagos Awards 2024 promises to be an unforgettable event that highlights the best of Lagos’ culture, tourism, and hospitality sectors while cementing the state’s reputation as the Centre of Excellence.

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    Samuel Nwajagu makes history as First African Mister international winner

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    Samuel Nwajagu Mister International

    Samuel Nwajagu made history as the first African to win Mister International, taking the title in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 14, 2024.

     

     

    Nigerian model Samuel Nwajagu has made history by becoming the first African to win the prestigious Mister International title.

    The groundbreaking achievement occurred at the 16th edition of the global competition, held in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday, 14th December 2024.

     

    Also read: Top 10 most spoken languages in the world 2024

     

    The event, which drew 47 contestants from around the world, saw Nwajagu rise to the top amidst fierce competition. His victory is not only a personal triumph but also a significant moment for African representation in international beauty pageants.

    Nwajagu’s journey to the global stage began earlier in the year when he was crowned Mister International Nigeria in July 2024, securing his place in the Mister International competition in Thailand.

    This victory was a result of months of preparation, dedication, and his innate charisma, which captivated both the judges and audiences throughout the event.

    In the grand finale, Nwajagu went head-to-head with two top finalists: Nguyễn Mạnh Lân from Vietnam and Glenn Victor Sutanto from Indonesia.

    The three competed in various segments, showcasing their modelling skills, physical fitness, and personality. Ultimately, Nwajagu emerged as the winner, marking a historic milestone for Africa in the realm of global pageantry.

    The Mister International competition is known for its emphasis on not just physical appearance but also character, leadership, and social responsibility. Nwajagu’s win serves as an inspiration to aspiring models and young people across the African continent, reinforcing the importance of confidence, dedication, and hard work in pursuing global recognition.

    As the newly crowned Mister International, Nwajagu’s victory is expected to open doors for further international opportunities in modelling and ambassadorial roles.

    His achievement continues to raise the profile of African talents on the world stage, proving that Africa’s presence in international competitions is stronger than ever.

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