Members of the Organising Committee of the 2023 Ojude Oba Festival on Tuesday, 20th June 2023 held a world press conference ahead of the annual event.
The conference which was attended by many journalists from top media organisations in the country was held at the Heritage Hall, inside Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode.
Also in attendance were members of the organising committee, high-ranking chiefs of Ojebu-Ode, sponsors, partners and enthusiasts.
The conference proceedings was anchored by Ace Comedian and event compere, Gbenga Adeyinka The 1st. Having him as the Master of Ceremony added great glamour to the event.
Addressing the press on behalf of the organising committee was the erudite academic, Chief Dr. Fassy Yusuf. He announced that this year’s Ojude Oba would be held on Friday 30th June, 2023; 2 days after the celebration of Ileya Festival. He said the theme of the festival “Ojude Oba: A Lesson in Religious Harmony”, was carefully chosen to emphasize the impact of the festival in promoting coexistence and harmony among the people. He added that it was germane and relevant to the phenomenal intent of the modern-day Ojude Oba proudly spearheaded by The Awujale, Kabiyesi Oba Sikiru Adetona.
He informed the press that the much-anticipated festival would feature 75 age grades across the gender lines. Among them are 15 newly accredited age grades making their debut at the festival. He said they would all be on parade while the top 3 performers would be handsomely rewarded with cash prizes and trophies courtesy of the Telecommunication giant; Globacom.
He added that the foremost socio-economic and development group NGOs have decided to award the best age grade group in Community Project/ Corporate Social Responsibility with a cash prize of 500, 000 naira. This he said would be done for the first time at this year’s festival and would be continued and improved upon at the subsequent editions.
Meanwhile, he reeled out the many logistics the committee has put in place to ensure a hitch-free and worthwhile festival. They include adequate security and traffic management, music and entertainment, mobilisation and sensitization, provisions for health and medical exigencies among others.
He thereby announced real estate guru Sir. (Dr.) Olu Okeowo and his learned wife, Lady (Barr.) Adejoke Okeowo as the Special Guest of Honour of this year’s festival. He said both have distinguished themselves as personalities of great reputation.
He concluded his address by giving kudos to the proud sponsors and partners and advertisers at the annual festival. He made mention of the likes of Globacom, First City Monument Bank, Ogun State Government, Rite Foods Limited, Nigerian Breweries Plc (Goldberg Beer), Yinka Folawiyo Group of Companies, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC., and Promasidor who just joined the league of sponsors/partners.
