Diaspora: Ooni of Ife to Tour European Countries

  • Africultura to honour distinguished Africans, Nigerians

By Zacheaus Somorin

The Ooni of Ife is to embark on a European tour to meet Nigerians in diaspora and honour distinguished individuals making waves there.

The tour and award which are being organised by Africultura, an organisation dedicated to the promotion of African culture, is expected to be a golden opportunity to showcase the richness of culture through his imperial majesty.

According to the Africultura President, Barr. Adeyanju Toyin, the “Africultura Award is being organised in conjunction with over 127 Yoruba associations and communities in Europe with direct diplomatic support of Nigerian Consulate offices in Germany, Netherland, Austria and Hungary”.

He stated that Ooni’s tour has become important now due to the fact that most Yorubas spread across the globe find it difficult to trace and identify their origins. “These people are deeply inculcated into and consumed by the culture and the ways of life of the host countries. This syndrome is traceable to so many factors some of which are: immigration barrier, economic push-out factors, psychological perception of kinsmen, and empirical experience, amongst others”, he added.

The Africultura president explained further that the award came into existence in 2012 as a program designed to locate, and identify Africans, interact and discover, develop and sustain the uniqueness and values of African culture in them.

Adeyanju posited also that the Yoruba nation is privileged to have a young, dynamic,humble and energetic King visiting Europe hence using the opportunity to unite the entire Yorubas home and abroad.

“He has brought access of the throne of Oodua in an unprecedented effort since the history of Ooniship. His royal drive and passion have been a catalyst for economic and social-cultural growth and development of Ile Ife and Yoruba tribe generally in term of tourism, culture and agriculture is immeasurable”.

The Ooni’s tour is expected to include: lectures, royal visits to kings and queens within Europe, cocktail party, diplomatic dinner with African envoys, visit to museums and historical places, town hall meetings, dinners, business meeting, signing of MOU with multinational Agro-Allied companies and the United Nation Agencies.

Those that would be awarded include former Olusegun Obasanjo, Bola Tinubu,Moses Olaiya (Babasala), Chief Akiwunmi Taiwo, Chief Mike Adeniyi Adenuga, Prof Wole Soyinka, Otunba Femi Otedola, Chief Yemi Elebuibon, Chief Folorunsho Alakija, Alh. Aliko Dangote, Emir of Kano Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, Prof Itsey Sagay among others.

Africultural Awards is an event established to acknowledge, recognize and honour Africans across the world. The organisation is committed to lifting the spirit of oneness and Unity among Africans. Over the years, Africultura has gained its recognition in excellent celebration of cultures within the African communities, particular in Europe and America.

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