1st Awori Day: Discovery of a new beginning
Culture has been described as the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, encompassing language, religion, laws, cuisine, social habits, dress, music, and arts. If this explanation of Culture is anything to go by, then the maiden edition of the AWORI DAY CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2022 was historic as conceptualized by GO AWORI TOURISM and organised by the Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria (AWAN).
The long awaited and expected unifying event of Aworis from Lagos, Ogun and across the globe took place on Sunday, 11th December, 2022 at Police College ground, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria Traditional Rulers, Awori Communities’ Leaders, sons, daughters and friends of Awori gathered to witnessed arrays of cultural display from different Awori communities. The event was unique, glamorous and funfair from the start to the end as it showcased social-cultural heritage of Awori people. Both the young and the old, all appeared in uniform branded attire to symbolize unity that exist among the Aworis. All the Royal Fathers in attendance dressed in the same Aso-Oke with smiles on thier beautiful faces indicated the day they all have been waiting for. The setting of the venue was second to none as Technical, Lights, Sound and stage was handled by a renowned multimedia company, ZMIRAGE MULTIMEDIA NIG. LTD. Gelede, Egungun, Aje, Woro, Efe, Ewi were among cultural troupes that thrilled the audience.
In his welcome address, the National President of AWAN, ASIWAJU MUHAMMED AJIBOLA ALAMU OLAGBAYE stated that AWORI DAY 2022 was a dream came through which marked a new beginning in the life of existing people of Awori and generation unborn. According to Asiwaju Olagbaye, the event “represents our discovery; a new beginning; a paradigm shifts in emotional, psychological, social and moral restitution going forward. In this, our being would further manifest for greater tomorrow in stronger affinity.
The event of today was not conceived just this year. It had long been conceived for over twenty years but could not be delivered due to one obstacle or the other. This is the time that the Lord has chosen. It is marvelous”
The National President of AWAN did not conclude his address until he paid tribute to Awori fathers of yesteryears in all parts of Aworiland in Lagos and Ogun States for their efforts and doggedness that Awori nation be not suppressed and Awori voice be heard.
In this regard, among the forefathers were, late Chief Fagbenro Beyioku, late Justice Charles Bada, late Justice Ishola Oluwa, late M. O. Kosoko, late Senator Abayomi Durosinmi, late Pa Karimu Laka a.k.a. Orelope, Pa J. A. Odeyale, late Chief Ebenezer A. Olurinde Gbeleyi, late M. O. Ogundipe, late Pa Sakariyau Opeifa amongst others.
He also commended the efforts of the living legends such as, Asiwaju Senator S.A. Otegbola, the Traditional Rulers in Lagos and Ogun States and he specifically recognized an Awori son, Prince Adetunji Femi Fadina, the Chairman, Go Awori Tourism for giving AWAN the concept and use of his tourism experience to see to the actualisation of the Awori Day of their dream.
The Governor of Ogun State who was represented by his Deputy, Engr Naimot Salako- Oyedele and The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu also graced the event.
The duo commended and thanked traditional rulers and community leaders for upholding cultural heritage in their respective domains. They enjoined AWAN to make AWORI DAY a yearly event.
The event was rapped up with Presentation of Awards to heroes of Awori. Among the Award recipients was The Olu Gbeleyi-Onigbesa Family of Oshodi & Igbesa that received Glass Plaque of Awori Patriot Award to The Family of Late Hon Chief Ebenezer Adetokunbo Olurinde Gbeleyi in due recognition of the upliftment of the Association, the Awori and the General Welfare of Awori in Lagos and Ogun States of Nigeria
Other recipients were family of late Pa Karimu Laka a.k.a. Orelope, family of late Prof. Lateef Salako, family of late Pa Sakariyau Opeifa, and Lifetime Awards goes to Her Excellency, Mrs Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to President on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGS; Asiwaju Muhammed Olagbaye; and Asiwaju Olawale Cole.
AWORI KITIGBE OOO and the Awori Day Cultural Festival 2022 was indeed OGBERE O as dignitaries enjoyed the rich culture, music and arts of Awori people of Lagos and Ogun States of Nigeria.
In his remark at the epoch-making event, Hon Olusegun Bolanle Gbeleyi, the Arole-Otunba of Igbesaland, Chairman, Governing Board of Digital Bridge Institute, DBI & former Deputy Speaker Ogun State House of Assembly, commended Nigeria at the First Awori Day Cultural Festival.
He commended Prince Adetunji Fadina who conceived the idea and the leadership of the Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria, AWAN under the leadership of Asiwaju Mohammed Ajibola Alamu Olagbaye for adopting the concept for actualisation.
“We must appreciate our financial sponsors from the private and public sectors. Thanks is also due to notable individuals, most especially the Lagos State Government for believing in the Festival which really showcased our rich culture, heritage and traditions through poetry, dance and music.
Hon. Gbeleyi said he felt “elated to see our Royal Fathers coming together as one united body. They all gave their full Royal blessings and actively participated making the occasion great with all Awori towns being fully represented in the colourful branded “Aso Ebi” and T-shirts for the Awori Day Cultural Festival. It was truly the first of it’s kind to unify the Aworis of Lagos & Ogun States in Nigeria and in Diaspora.
He thanked the organisers for the Posthumous Award given to his late Father, Pa Chief Hon. Ebenezer Adetokunbo Olurinde Gbeleyi and his family.
“No doubt our family, will be even more motivated in our service to humanity in general and uplifting Aworis in particular around the globe.
