Lifestyle
People Who Abandon Their Heritage Do So At Their Own Peril – Gani Adams Warns
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has urged traditional rulers across the South-West to promote Yoruba culture and tradition.
He made the call during the 2025 Okota Festival, organised by the Olokun Festival Foundation, in Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State, where he spoke as one of the key speakers.
He warned that any race that ignores their tradition does so at their own peril.
According to him, traditional rulers must fulfil their responsibilities as custodians of Yoruba heritage.
Adams said, “The state government and traditional institutions need to do a lot more in promoting our culture and tradition.
“Globally, there is a clear distinction between religion, culture and tradition. Any race or people who abandon their heritage do so at their peril.
“The importance of preserving our identity as a people cannot be overstated. We must emulate Asian countries whose commitment to cultural values has driven their technological and economic development.”
He specifically urged the Ondo State Government to upgrade the Okota Festival to a nationally recognised event, saying such recognition would help elevate the Okota River site to a world-acclaimed heritage and global tourism destination, akin to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove.
Adams said Yorubaland is richly endowed with tourism and heritage sites capable of transforming its economy if properly developed.
“If fully harnessed, these sites can serve as catalysts for the development of host communities and states. If the government does the needful, tourists from across the world will be drawn to these destinations,” he said.
He also appealed to all traditional rulers in Akoko land to step up efforts to promote and celebrate their deities and ancestral heritage
“As the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and a proud son of Akoko land, I am ready to support any traditional ruler committed to advancing the tradition and culture of his kingdom,” Adams added.
Other speakers at the event also charged the Ondo State Government to prioritise the promotion of cultural festivals and traditional heritage.
They included the Owa of Ogbagi, Oba Victor Adetona, and the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun.
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Renowned actor and voice artiste EyiyemiOlivia Rogbinyin has been unveiled as the host of the maiden edition of the QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit, scheduled to hold on August 12, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Thursday by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mighty Media Plus Network Limited, publishers of QEDNG, Olumide Iyanda.
“Actor and voice artiste, EyiyemiOlivia Rogbinyin, has been announced as host of the inaugural QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit holding on August 12, 2025, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos,” the statement partly read.
He noted that with over 30 years of experience in theatre, film, and radio, EyiyemiOlivia is widely admired for her versatility and poise on screen and stage. She is best known for her roles as Iya Onidiri in Itura (M-Net Africa Magic) and Hajia Malaika Doherty in Dust.
He explained that she has featured in acclaimed productions by a host of celebrated creatives such as Bunmi Davies, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ego Boyo, Biodun Stephen, Steve Gukas, Omoni Oboli, and many more.
“With a career spanning over three decades, EyiyemiOlivia is celebrated for her dynamic presence across theatre, film, and radio. She is widely recognised for her captivating performances as Iya Onidiri in Itura (M-Net Africa Magic) and Hajia Malaika Doherty in Dust. Beyond her acting talent, she has won the hearts of many for her strong advocacy for professionalism, humility, and courtesy on set, particularly in how cast and crew members are treated.”
“She has delivered stellar performances in theatre and film productions directed and produced by a long list of accomplished creatives, including Bunmi Davies, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Daniel Oriahi, Dipo Abdul, Ego Boyo, James Omokwe, Biodun Stephen, Hadizat Ibrahim, Momo Spaine, Tosin Igho, Steve Gukas, Dotun Olakunrin, Wande Thomas, Rogba Arimoro, Wumi Fosudo, Mide Glover, Omoni Oboli, Chris Odeh, and many others.”
Iyanda described the choice of EyiyemiOlivia as symbolic of the summit’s creative depth and emotional resonance. He further noted that her calm voice, commanding presence, and magnetic hosting style make her an ideal fit for the event.
He stated, “EyiyemiOlivia is more than a host. She is a storyteller who connects deeply with her audience. Her presence brings warmth, elegance, and a unique energy that perfectly aligns with the spirit of this summit.
“Known for her smooth voice and engaging personality, EyiyemiOlivia has built a reputation as a charismatic compere and voice artiste. She co-anchored radio shows such as Weekend Nigeria on Spirit of Nigeria Radio and The Praise O’Clock Show on Praiseworld Radio. Her ability to host with wits, grace, and empathy makes her a natural fit for the Creative Powerhouse Summit.”
Iyanda added, “Her collaborative spirit and respect for behind-the-scenes contributors make her compassionate and relatable to event attendees. From radio to stage to screen, EyiyemiOlivia has left a lasting impression everywhere she’s performed.”
The summit, he explained, will convene stakeholders from across Nigeria’s creative, policy, and financial sectors to explore actionable strategies for strengthening the country’s creative economy. The summit will feature two panel sessions moderated by veteran journalist Steve Ayorinde and broadcast expert Anike-ade Funke Treasure.
Previously announced guests include Udeme Ufot, Group Managing Director of SO&U, as chairman, and Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, founder of The Africa Soft Power Group, as keynote speaker
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Godwin Alabi-Isama (born 24 December 1940) is a Nigerian retired military officer, author and statesman who served as chief of staff to Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle of the 3 Marine Commando during the Nigerian Civil War.
Alabi-Isama was born on 24 December 1940, in Ilorin, Kwara State, to a Ukwani (Delta State) father and a Yoruba (Ilorin) mother. He attended Ibadan Boys High School. In 1960, he joined the Army and attended the Mons Officer Cadet School in the United Kingdom and the Senior Tactics School and Staff College in Quella, Pakistan. Alabi-Isama was a tactics instructor at the Nigerian Military School in Zaria, Nigeria and the Nigerian Military Training College (now Nigerian Defence Academy) in Kaduna prior to the civil war.
Brigadier-General Alabi-Isama served as the commander of the troops stationed at the Niger Bridge in Asaba, He was subsequently transferred by the Army Headquarters to the 3 Marina Commando, 3MCDO, operating on the Calabar front during the war. Alabi-Isama led forces against the Biafran Republic, successfully liberating various locations including Odukpani, Ikot-Okpora, Iwuru, Akunakuna, Itigidi, Ediba, Ugep, Obubra, Afikpo, Oban, and Ekang. He also “closed” the international border with Biafra at Nssakpa, as detailed in his book, The Tragedy of Victory.
In April 1968, Alabi-Isama and his 3MCDO men embarked on a mission to recapture Creek Town, Itu, Uyo, Ikot-Ekpene, Oron, Eket, Opobo, Abak, Etinan, Bori-Ogoni, Akwete, Afam, Aletu Ekene, Elelenwo, Okrika, and Port-Harcourt, successfully completing the operation the following month.” After the war, Alabi-Isama assumed the role of the Nigerian Army’s Principal General Staff Officer. In 1973, he served as the Acting Governor of the Mid-Western Region, where he notably received the first group of National Youth Service Corps members, as recounted in his autobiography. Following his retirement as a Brigadier-General from the Army in 1977, Alabi-Isama relocated to the United States.
Alabi-Isama played a pivotal role in leading the troops that successfully liberated the remaining parts of Cross River State following Colonel Adekunle’s amphibious sea landing at Calabar. Furthermore, he commanded the 3 Marine Commando troops that effectively captured the present-day states of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa. His strategic planning, specifically the implementation of the Pincer 2 strategy, played a crucial role in bringing an end to the Nigerian Civil War.
The Tragedy of Victory: On-the-Spot Account of the Nigeria-Biafra War in the Atlantic Theatre is a sequential narrative of the war that lasted from 6 July 1967 to 15 January 1970 which was published in 2013. By Godwin Alabi.
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Until he left the world on February 17, 2018 at 78, Professor Akinwunmi Isola championed and promoted the Yoruba culture and language with his literary works. In 1986, he wrote and composed the college anthem that is currently sung in Wesley College Ibadan.
Among his works are:
Agogo Eèwò (2002) as Ifa Priest.
Sawo-Segberi (2005).
The Campus Queen (2004) as Professor.
Thunderbolt: Magun (2001) as Professor.
Brass Bells (1999) as Babalawo.
Efunsetan Aniwura (1981).
Efunsetan Aniwura (2005).
Isola was born in Ibadan on December 24, 1939, he studied at the University of Ibadan, earning a B.A. in French and was appointed professor at Obafemi Awolowo University in 1991. Isola wrote his first play, Efunsetan Aniwura around 1961-62 while still a student at the University of Ibadan. This was followed by a novel, O Le Ku.
He ventured into broadcasting at a time, creating a production company that has turned a number of his plays into television dramas and films.
On May 4, 2015, his book Herbert Macaulay and the Spirit of Lagos was staged at the Performing Arts Theatre of the University of Ilorin in Kwara State.
In 2000, in recognition of his immense contributions, he was awarded the National Merit Award and appointed a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters. He was also a visiting professor at the University of Georgia.
BEAUTIFUL MOMENT HE PASSED AWAY
A day before his passing, his wife, Mrs Adebola Isola, said he ate amala and gbegiri and finished everything. The next day, around 9am after his bath, Mrs. Isola fed him with custard.
However, unlike before, he only took a little and continued saying: “Thank you, my wife.” She didn’t take it seriously at first because he had always appreciated her that way. But when he continued non-stop, she had to call his doctor and the children who were in Lagos.
She and the nurse who had bathed him earlier, decided to move him from the chair to the bed. Immediately his body touched the bed, he departed the world.
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