A social-cultural association based in the United Kingdom (UK), the Ibadan Think Tank Group, on Saturday, held the 4th edition of its Ibadan Cultural Festival amidst pomp and pageantry.
The festival is an initiative of the Ibadan Think Tank Group comprising 3 reputable clubs-Ibadanland Development Association, Oluyole Diamond Sisters and Oluyole Progressive Union, all affiliated with the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
This year’s edition of the festival, however, didn’t come short of expectations. It was a 3-day program (Special Jumuah Service, Church Thanksgiving Service and Reception/Awards) marked with different activities including cultural displays, music, networking, constituents clubs parade, and serving of the popular Ibadan indigenous food, Amala, Gbegiri and Ewedu.
Ibadan Cultural Festival UK, according to Alhaji Akeem Akinborode, the President, Oluyole Progressive Union UK and the Financial Secretary, Ibadan Think Tank Group, is an annual event celebrating Ibadan’s rich heritage and Yoruba culture.
Akinborode, a financial expert with Eminent Financial Ltd, noted the festival has also, on a yearly basis, provided Ibadan’s sons and daughters living in the UK an avenue to have a good time and familiarise themselves with each other.
Of course, this year’s edition of the festival, as usual, didn’t go without honouring some outstanding personalities who have, in one way or the other, contributed to the growth of Ibadanland.
HRM Oba Kola Daisi, the Asipa Olubadan of Ibadanland; Chief Kola Kareem, the Agbaoye of Ibadanland; Chief Adewale Abass Kadri, Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland, were awarded as the most distinguished Ibadan Indigenes respectively.
Also, the duo of Alhaji AbdulRafiu Ola Olajide and Alhaji Rasheed Oladimeji Oloruntola both bagged the most outstanding friends of Ibadan awards.
While Princess Loveth Oluwatosin Emmanuel was awarded as the most patriotic Ibadan indigene.
Some of the prominent dignitaries who graced the iconic event included Ambassador Kazeem Olaniyan, CEO Omo-Ola Travels & Tours (Chairman of the Day), Chief (Mrs.) Yinka Adeniran, Deputy Mayoress of Portsmouth (Mother of the Day), and Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem MCIArb, MCIOB, МСАВЕ (Mogaji Adanla), CEO, Afia Construction & Building Engineering Consultancy Services Ltd and the Turaki Adinni of Oyo State, who is also one of the initiators of Ibadan Think Tank Group.
Adanla, in his short speech, admonished all to prioritise the preservation of Yoruba culture by passing down knowledge to the next generation through language, traditions, and cultural practices.
Other dignitaries at the event, held at Jo Richardson Community School Hall, Castle Green, Dagenham RM9 4UN, London, United Kingdom, are Barrister Sulaiman Ajewole, the President-General of CCII and Dr Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO, Agidigbo FM, Ibadan.
