As part of ongoing efforts to promote cultural reawakening and safeguard African traditional values, Ambassador Oluwo Olufemi Tade is set to host the 2025 Isese Day Festival on Saturday, 24th August 2025, at the Theatre Arts Auditorium, University of Ibadan, by 12:00 noon prompt.
Themed “The Essence and Impact of Traditional Festival in Nigeria Society”, this year’s edition is organized by Heritage Connections Enterprises in collaboration with the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, and the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC). The festival forms part of the activities under the 45th African Culture Preservation & Presentation Advocacy (ACUPA).
The festival will feature:
A keynote address
Traditional musical and cultural performances
Exhibition of cultural artefacts
Patron investitures
Presentation of the prestigious African Culture and Tradition Ambassador Awards
The keynote address will be delivered by the Isese Festival Personality of the Year, Hon. Dr. Wasiu Adewale Olatubosun, the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Oyo State, who has consistently championed the development and recognition of Yoruba cultural heritage across the state.
Distinguished speakers lined up for the event include:
Chief Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode Ph.D, the Mogaji of Onibudo Compound, Ibadan, and President of the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR)
Araba Falere Odegbemi Odegbola, the Araba of Ibadanland, a foremost traditional spiritual leader
Iyanifa Halle Abiola Oladeji Rosanwo, the Yeye Oge Ifelagba of Isara, Remo Kingdom, Ogun State, and a revered Ifa priestess and cultural ambassador
The convener, Ambassador Oluwo Olufemi Tade, a seasoned cultural advocate, explained that the event aims to celebrate and reward individuals who have demonstrated passion and dedication to the protection, promotion, and continuity of African culture and spirituality.
According to him, “This festival is more than a gathering—it is a movement to awaken pride in who we are as Africans, to honour our ancestors, and to pass the torch of tradition to generations yet unborn.”
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Among the honourees to receive the African Culture and Tradition Ambassador Award is Mogaji Ejilola Sefiu Abiodun, a respected custodian of Yoruba cultural heritage and traditional titleholder in Ibadan, recognized for his grassroots work in cultural storytelling and advocacy.
The 2025 Isese Day Festival promises to be a landmark celebration of African identity, spirituality, and legacy. Cultural enthusiasts, traditional leaders, researchers, and members of the public are invited to attend this event dedicated to honouring the past and shaping the future of African heritage.
For further enquiries, participation, or sponsorship, kindly refer to the contact details provided on the official invitation.
