Space Summary
The Twitter Space Haki muhimu za afya ya uzazi zinavyochangia maendeleo Tanzania hosted by MwananchiNews. The discussion on reproductive health in Tanzania emphasized the significance of comprehensive sexual education, access to quality healthcare, family planning, and collaboration in improving outcomes. Cultural sensitivity, gender equality, and advocacy for policy changes emerged as crucial factors in enhancing reproductive health initiatives. Addressing challenges like stigma, limited access to services, and cultural beliefs are pivotal for sustainable progress. Leveraging technology and community-led efforts can further empower individuals and communities to prioritize reproductive health effectively.
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Space Statistics
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Questions
Q: Why is comprehensive sexual education important in reproductive health?
A: It promotes awareness, empowers informed decision-making, and reduces health risks.
Q: How does family planning contribute to reproductive health advancements?
A: It enables individuals to plan pregnancies, improving maternal and child health.
Q: What role does technology play in enhancing access to reproductive health services?
A: It facilitates outreach in remote areas and provides valuable health information.
Q: Why is collaboration between different entities critical for sustainable reproductive health initiatives?
A: It ensures comprehensive support, resources, and community engagement for long-term impact.
Q: How do cultural beliefs influence attitudes towards reproductive health in Tanzania?
A: They shape practices and behaviors, necessitating culturally sensitive approaches for effective interventions.
Q: Why is advocacy for policy changes essential in strengthening reproductive health systems?
A: It drives improvements in healthcare infrastructure, funding, and services, benefiting overall community health.
Q: What are the challenges in addressing adolescent reproductive health needs in Tanzania?
A: Stigma, limited access to youth-friendly services, and lack of education pose obstacles that require targeted solutions.
Q: What strategies can be implemented to empower women in making informed reproductive health decisions?
A: Promoting gender equality, access to healthcare, and education empowers women to take control of their reproductive well-being.
Q: How can communities break the stigma surrounding reproductive health discussions?
A: Through education, advocacy, and open dialogue, communities can foster acceptance and understanding of reproductive health issues.
Q: What are the key factors that contribute to successful reproductive health programs in Tanzania?
A: Government support, community engagement, education, and access to resources are essential components for effective reproductive health initiatives.
Highlights
Time: 00:14:25
The Role of Cultural Sensitivity in Reproductive Health Exploring how cultural dynamics impact reproductive health practices and interventions.
Time: 00:21:10
Empowering Women Through Reproductive Health Education Discussing strategies to educate and empower women in making informed reproductive health choices.
Time: 00:32:45
Community-Led Advocacy for Reproductive Health Rights Highlighting the importance of grassroots movements in advocating for reproductive health policies and services.
Time: 00:43:55
Utilizing Technology for Reproductive Health Outreach Examining the role of digital tools in expanding access to reproductive health information and services.
Time: 00:55:30
The Impact of Gender Equality on Reproductive Health Investigating how gender norms influence reproductive health outcomes and the need for equality in healthcare.
Time: 01:02:15
Addressing Adolescent Reproductive Health Challenges Discussing barriers and solutions to meeting the unique reproductive health needs of adolescents.
Time: 01:14:20
Advocacy Strategies for Reproductive Health Policy Change Strategizing on how to advocate for policy shifts to improve reproductive health services and infrastructure.
Time: 01:25:05
Innovative Approaches to Youth-Friendly Reproductive Health Services Exploring creative strategies to engage and support young people in reproductive health decisions.
Time: 01:35:40
Community Engagement in Maternal and Child Health Programs Highlighting the importance of community involvement in enhancing maternal and child health outcomes.
Time: 01:45:20
Government Support for Sustainable Reproductive Health Initiatives Discussing the critical role of government backing in ensuring the success and longevity of reproductive health programs.
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive sexual education is vital for promoting reproductive health awareness.
- Access to quality healthcare services plays a crucial role in improving maternal and child health outcomes.
- Family planning programs aid in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive choices.
- Collaboration between government entities, NGOs, and local communities is essential for sustainable reproductive health initiatives.
- The stigma surrounding reproductive health issues inhibits progress and must be addressed through education and advocacy.
- Investing in youth-friendly reproductive health services is key to addressing the needs of adolescents and young adults.
- Integration of technology can enhance access to reproductive health information and services in remote areas.
- Cultural beliefs and practices influence reproductive health behaviors and require culturally sensitive approaches.
- Gender equality and women's empowerment are fundamental pillars for improving reproductive health outcomes.
- Advocacy for policy changes and increased funding is crucial for strengthening reproductive health systems.
Behind the Mic
Emotional Connection and Cultural Heritage
Every time. You don't shut me, I just. You, my dad share me my. Feelings. Nobody else I can.
Welcoming and Introducing the Space
Guys. Good evening, everybody. Good evening. Good evening. Good evening everybody. Thank you for joining us on the space this evening. Oh my gosh. Hold on. Hold on a second. Okay. Okay. Sorry guys. I think my youtubers have upgraded itself on the parts. Okay. Yeah. Good evening everybody. So we're going to be talking about theological festival itself and I think it's also very important talk about Yoruba cultures itself. You know, a lot of things going on back home in our society, southern Nigeria. And I think it's also important to obviously get more Nigerians in diaspora involved itself when it comes to events like the lodge of festival itself and our society.
Introduction to the Festival's Importance
I'm just going to talk a few things about, you know, some things we're going to talk about in this space this evening. Of course we're going to talk about the festival, the roots in Yoruba culture and I association with the city of Ilefe itself, the key figures and the festival which also of course includes the O'Neofinfe himself. And of course a lot of people will talk about, ok, what was some of the traditions, rituals, the whole the processions and the ritual performed during the Ologio festival. The role of the Oniyofife in leading prayers and stuff. The historical relevance of the ology of festival and how he has involved in many centuries in Sephora. So we're going to talk about all these things on this space this evening. I'm glad we're going to be having people from Ile fair who are going to come and educate us, enlighten us regarding some of the things about, you know, the impact itself and how we can also get more Nigerians in diaspora involved in itself when it comes to festival at all times.
Diversity and Cultural Significance
I think something I also love to talk about is how much is so important that even with some of Nigerians in diaspora we can get our people on board and you know, enlighten ourselves because it doesn't mean we live in diaspora, doesn't mean we should forget our culture. Very, very important. You know, we celebrate every nigerian culture itself as a nigerian community in diaspora at all times. So, so just talk about briefly about the lodge of festival itself. This celebration is dedicated to the city of Ogun Elefe itself which also honors different people perspective at all times. The festival is celebrated annually every year in Elephe, which is ancestral home of the Yoruba people believed to be the cradle of the human existence according to Yoruba meteorology many years, ego itself.
Role of the Oniyofife
So the Oniuo Fife, who is the spiritual leader of the Yoruba people plays a big role in the festival itself. You know, his participation is considered symbolic when he is regarded as the. As a dissident of the Oduduwa, the prominent of the Yoruba race at all times. One of the key highlights for me that happens when this has happened, the fact that the NFA has to wear a crown called the Ara crown. So believed to be one of the oldest and the most scared crowns in the Yoruba history. In our culture, at all times itself, the crown is won not just only once, but of course during the ology of festival. At all times before the festival, the Oni goes into a period of seclusion when he does that. So basically what happens that he prays, meditates, commutes and of course with the ancestors and the gods. So this is believed to bring a lot of blessings, peace and prosperity to the Yoruba land at all times.
Rituals and Significance of the Festival
The festival itself represents the renouncement of the renouncements of the creation at the descent of the Ogun to earth, the blessing brought to the people by the gods. It's filled with different rituals and prayers for the fertility, for the peace and protection of the lodge of festival at all times. So for me, I think it's very important to bring all our cultures, you know, the Yoruba culture, the Igbo culture, the Ausa culture, Nigeria's industrial. So it doesn't matter because, you know, in Nigeria present you live in different parts of the world. Our culture should be honored and verified at all times itself. And for one of the biggest factors, the cultural tourism itself in a diversified.
Promoting Cultural Heritage
Also gained a lot of international attention. Just like what we're doing here today on the niuk communist space, which is a Nigerian in diaspora space itself, drawing visitors from around the world, including members of the Europa diaspora tourists, the culture. So one of the key events it has to showcase for me has to be the Europa culture and traditions at all times. What impact does it play when you look at some of the economic benefit brings to Elepha itself? The local artists, the traders, the food vendors, the business benefits from the influence of Nigerians in diaspora who come back home, which clearly shows also a boost to the economy and of course to the local economy itself.
A Call to Action for Diaspora Participation
I mean, I've said it so many times for Nigeria to be great. We love to play our role as Nigerians are totem. Of course that means it starts from Nigerians in diaspora, Atota, myself, I'm glad to have one of the handles for the Ologio festival to join us on the space this evening. I'm just going to get the mic to book it quickly to give us one or two things before I get a space. Upon running, I have a few questions to ask and then hopefully get more people on board regarding this, you know, lodge of festival. Let's enlighten ourselves. Let's learn more about cultures back home at all times.
Introduction of Participants
Bookie. Good evening, bookie. The mark is yours. Okay. All right. So really happy, really glad that we're doing this. While we're in this space, can you call me Princess Bukola or Omoba Bukola, please? Now that we're getting into the space spirits of Ologia festival. Well, anyway, really excited that we're here and I'm glad that we've got Olodga festival handle here. I'm not sure who's speaking. Is that you, Tomison? Or is that Oloye Ashabi who speak. Hello. Hello. How are you? Evclesa. I'm fine, thank you. Glad that you're here. Thank you very much. Yeah, thank you for taking out the time to be here for us in the diaspora.
Promoting Awareness of Cultural Events
I think it's high time that we start to share, you know, across the pond, everything that is good about our culture and our heritage. I think it's high time people need to understand the events and all the other festivals that we're doing, because on this side of the pond, you know, there's so many stories that are being shared about a lot of our festivals, and it's high time that we start to demystify all these things. So I'm really glad that you're here. I'm going to introduce you shortly. But first of all, for everyone that's listening, if you know me before you know I go by AB and some people get really comfortable calling me bookie, but my real title is omo bao Burin Bukola.
Cultural Background
Omo ba Adele kon of Ile Felubo seder. First, you can feel free to google it. Welcome to. If you have any questions that you want to ask me about that, please feel free to. Maybe after a lot of. First of all, we'll go back to being called AB. But for now, I just want to say thank you all so much for honoring us. Thank you for being here. Really, really appreciate you. I see eludayo here as well, who I would love for him to speak up on this as well, because I know he's a great custodian. I've been to a number of his spaces in which they're always speaking yoruba and teaching yoruba. So, olioma, it'll be nice if you can invite him to come up to speak as well.
Engaging with Cultural Custodians
What we're going to try and do is also there is please, oluoma, please can you bring up at moron r. That is our Oloyi. She's a great custodian that has been supporting baba. Yeah, yeah. That's Oloye Ashabi. You see her handle as moron. That's m o r o u n r capital. So please do invite her to speak. So fantastic. Thank you all so much. Good evening, everyone. It's a real pleasure and I welcome all of you all to this gathering as we talk about Ologia festival, which is bridging heritage tourism with community festivals.
Discussion on Current Festival Trends
Obviously, in the past couple of months ago, you might have seen some news that came over to this side of the pond in which festivals have been talked about in a positive light with the ojiba, you know, the fashion aspect of it, which is absolutely beautiful to see. And as I was watching it in spectacle, I was like, oh, my God, this is so beautiful. And I've seen it previously, but I wonder, I sat there and I said, I wonder if our people actually know about Ologia festival, which is like the oldest festival in the history. And I'm going to leave it to Madame Ashabi and other custodians of the culture to speak more about this.
Celebrating Cultural Richness
The idea for us tonight is so that we can truly celebrate this beautiful festival and we can literally learn more about it and embrace the rich tapestry of culture, history, and most importantly, community spirit that the ology festival actually represents. Just like Oluomo mentioned earlier on, this is annual celebration that we do once a year and is deeply rooted in our heritage. And not only does it honor our ancestors, it also sheds a light on our traditions. If you follow the one week, let's just talk about the one week events, there's a lot of activities that happen.
Understanding the Festival's Timeline
However, this festival isn't something that just happened just one day, is something that's been going on for. Throughout the, throughout the year, but I'll leave that for the custodians to talk more about. But yeah, I'm so excited that you're all here and I don't want it to be just my voice that you're hearing. So without further ado, we're going to start this conversation. We've got a plan drawn up, but in a moment. I respect that maybe majority of you are Yoruba and stuff, but it'll be great to see other people from other cultures learning about here, not just Nigerians learning about this beautiful festival.
Encouraging Participation and Awareness
So feel free to just add more people into this conversation. We're not going to be here for long. It's just for us to talk about what this festival is all about and how it can bring about positive tourism into Nigeria. So if from any parts of Nigeria, please feel free to invite people into this conversation. And maybe in relation to maybe other festivals that you know about. But it's high time we start to promote all these festivals that goes on in Nigeria. It's not every day we go to american festival, UK festival, the Holi festival india.
Cultural Education and Promoting Local Festivals
We have beautiful history in our motherland and it's high time we all start to learn about it. So I'm going to pass the mic back to Olomo as we invite our beautiful speakers to come and speak. But I would also like opportunity to introduce them when they come up. But yes, Olioma. Yeah. So I've just read a call, so you can just do that yourself. Makes a lot. Okay. So thank you, Buki. Thank you. Everybody. Also sent eludayo the mic as well. Maybe it's visa present, but yeah. Thank you guys for joining us on the space.
Overview of the Festival Discussion
This evening we're gonna be talking about the lodge of festival. Clergymen bridging the heritage and tourism will come to festival. So I'm glad to have people from the local festival here itself to talk to the Nigerians in diaspora. What can we expect? What can we know better? So I'm going to give the mic to you, sir. Good evening, sir. Thank you for joining us. You're in the Nigerians in the UK community twitter space, which represents Nigerians in the UK, and of course Nigerians also in diaspora as well.
Historical Significance of the Festival
We've read a lot about a lot of festivals. So what are some of the historical significance of the Lodjo festival and how has he evolved in so many years? The mark is yourself. Thank you very much. Olodgio festival, like you said, is annual festival and it's a quarter hour festival, but basically Oladjo festival. It's the very first traditional festival of the Yoruba people. And what exactly is ollojoal about? Hello, sir, please, would you mind introducing yourself before we go into the question?
Introducing Cultural Figures
Because I think people need to understand who you are and how much of a significance it is that you've been able to make this call. For those that are listening, this is the great Mister Yinka Ibikunle who comes in. Who comes in and supports all of the doings and events that happen in Ife. So please introduce yourself. Let people know who you are before we answer that question. Please, sir. Thank you. My name is Olayinka Ibikule.
Cultural Roles and Responsibilities
I am the official emcee of Iz Imperial Majesty Awoni Adiye Babatunya Kondi Ogunsi. And to some extent I play certain cultural roles within and outside the palace for his imperial majesty. I think that will be enough for my introduction. Now, let's now go to the topic of the day. Ologio, first of all, like I said, Ologio first of all is a cultural festival that happens to be the very first cultural festival in Yuba people. But before Olodjo, and at least some events had happened before Ologio, what really went wrong?
Historical Context of the Festival
And I want to go in short while to bring the history ology of festival was just the festival to mark the new dawn of the Yoruba people. When Odudua came. Oduduwa now had some other things to do. But basically when Oduduwa, all the deities respected Oduduwa for the fact that Oduwa had the backings of other deities. And these deities now wanted to give Oduduwa the privilege to be the one to lead them in all the things they do. And basically that was what led to Olodyo the very day all deities accepted Oduduwa as their leader.
The Dawn of Yoruba Tradition
And that was the very new beginning of the Yoruba people. That is why it is called Ologio. Ojo. T Ojodi. Ojo. So it's a new dawn. And now, you know, for Otudua to now be the one as you are the progenitor of the Yorubaris. Before now there has been two dynasties before now. Now the first dynasty is what we call ife o Daidenhe. If the creation of the world, if Elwadai existed for thousands of years and if Elo die, ended because Eliudumari had won the people, those who lived in Ife would die then we are purely supernatural being.
Transition of Dynasties
They called them eunomales. But because they misbehave on heart, Eledumari ended the first dynasty and ends the creation of the second dynasty called ife o ye lagbo. We that we survived the stone. That is the meaning o ye Labo. So now for the second dynasty we have the people that coexisted in second dynasty. The supernatural being and the normal human being, they coexist in that ecosystem for thousands of years. But, you know, the human beings now wanted to know that are okay.
The Search for Understanding
They were making findings that who actually is the person that we speak to? And we always give us the answer to our questions, and we don't know this person. We want to know the person, whether it's a man or a woman. But Eletymari told them never to look for where to get. They started building castles, and they never listened until eleven ended the second dynasty. And when Eletmar entered the second dynasty now sent Oduduwa to come and restore that, to restructure the whole earth.
Arrival of Oduduwa
But before Oduduwa came, Eludwa assigned three emissaries. They called them Oba, Jegi, Jegi, Oba and Oba. These three emissaries came, and they restructured the royal art for the arrival of Oduduwa. So when Udua came, Udua now became the first awning of the third dynasty. And this now, because when Udua came, there had been other deities that Odua met, and these deities now had to come together to support Oduduwa.
The Role of Ogun in Yoruba History
And that is why Ogun is the pathfinder. Ogun was the one who made the ways for all the deities to get to it failed. Did you get it now? So after this, but on the very day they now came that this man has gotten this privilege by Ladu Marie. And that moment that they had the privilege, all the deities now accepted Oduduwa as their leader. And that is the very day they said, okay, we accepted you as our leader.
Inception of Ologio Festival
That is the day Ologio started. That's why they call it Ojo Tachyde. Ojodi. Ojo. Now, first of all, like, we now come to the cultural aspect and the spiritual aspect. The spiritual aspect is for every joining Olodo, these are the things only will have to do. Join onlodge only goes into circulation for seven days before the proper. Before we.
Ritual Practices of the Festival
After the proper celebration, but before the start of Olodo, there's what they call Bajuri. Bajuri is just. Bajuri is. I will call it ancestral song. Ancestral song. Eradin Kolojo. Once they are to sing Bajuri, the Bajuru will not be the message sent to Oni that, okay, we have fixed the date for lodge. Then immediately, the badger has been sung that Oni has gotten the message that they have sunk by Julie.
Significance of Seclusion
The next thing only goes into seclusion for seven days. So while on being in seclusion for seven days, it would have to be in seclusion for seven days, meditating, praying with ancestors, and at that time only becomes another transformed to become another person entirely. And for that seven days, it would be there without it. It doesn't eat, it doesn't drink, it doesn't anything, though it be there with the deities and the ancestors to communicate with them.
Ritual Journey to Ogun's Worship
Now, after the 7th day of in being seclusion, there's what we call OK Mogwakoko. Okemoa koko is the very day that we now have to go to Okemo. That is the spot where Ogun is being worshipped. Now, once they get to Kim Akoko, after they have done the Kim Ogua Koko, messages will be sent to Oni in Ilofi that he has gone for seclusion. It is at that time that Oni had to return back to the palace.
Returning to the Palace
Once he returned back to the palace, he comes into palace, people comes around. When people come around, he prays and all stuff. Then you now go to rest for the next day. The next day is a Saturday, and that's the day they call Ojo. Ojo ilago, ojo lojo. Now, Ojo Lojo is the main day when Kabyesi hears the Adiari.
The Sacred Crown
An adiari is a sacred crown brought by Oduduwa to the earth. And it's Odudua. This adiari is decorated by Ledumara. It's nothing by any normal, by any human being. It's decorated by a late night. So that is the only day that Kabisi wears Adiari, that, Ojo lo cho. That's when he wears Adiari.
Traditional Rituals During the Festival
And after he wears that Yari and with Adiari on him, once he wears it, he goes to Ilegbo in preparation for Adiari. And after he had done the adiari, he leaves. Ilegbo comes and makes some, or they will make some kind of. The prince and princesses would come around, pay homages to him. And after paying wages, he goes to the burial site of the late awnings that are gone.
Prayer at the Burial Site
And the burial site at the palace, it goes there and make prayers. And after that, he walks straight to the entrance of the palace. He prays at the entrance of the palace. And in once after he prayed straight down, he moves to Okemogun. Getting to Okemogun, Kabi C would still go there and make prayers at Omegun.
Conclusion of Rituals
And after getting to Okimogun, making prayers, he will do all the necessary, the ritual rites that he is supposed to do at Okimogu. And after he finishes, he leaves straight to Dij. Once he gets to did is wealth. Prays for wealth for everybody. Now, after he leaves at that entrance, that's what we call. There's a place we call Ojejibu Mekum.
The Historical Market
That is the very first market in the Yoruba history, Ojejibo Meku. So at Ojejibo Meku, then during the time of Otudua, it was at Oje Jibbomeko that other deities came together to now accept Odudu as their leader. So at Ode Dibu Meku, once Kabesi prays, he lives all the deities, the representative of other deities on earth.
Inclusivity in Yoruba Culture
Now, we now have to announce. Okay, you are welcome. You are welcome to Ojibwe, the first market in the history of the Yoruba people, please, at this point, other deities, we accept you as our leader. So once it turns back to going to the palace, at that point, that is the point where ology starts from. That is OjOtI Ojo D.
Spiritual Practices in the Palace
It gets to the palace, and after getting the palace, he will do other things and all that things he does there, I think spiritual things. And that is. I think that is the cultural. I mean, I will say the spiritual aspect of Olodo. Now coming to talk about the cultural aspect of Ologyo. One Olodjo is a cultural festival, and it brings the old and the young together.
Cultural Traditions Showcase
And it's an opportunity showcasing our cultural values, our tradition and customs. And most of the people you see join or lodge or people that will come in their cultural attires, you will see the best of the Yoruba attires join olody. And that is part of the cultural making a sense of belonging. And some of these people that will come around their dresses will tell you where they belong.
Understanding Cultural Identity
The people, for instance, those who are probably the ones who worship Sango, they know what to wear. The ones who worship, they know what to wear. And all these things is a cultural thing and shows their sense of belonging. Okay, this is where I belong, and this is the clothes I'm supposed to wear on this very day. That's part of the cultural aspect.
Learning through Celebration
Two, as part of the cultural aspect, it is the golden opportunity for people to understand the basis of our culture and what is our culture. That the celebration of Olodo will erupt a lot of cultural developments. For instance, people come to learn much more of our culture. And this gives opportunity for people want to come and learn more about our culture.
Cultural Exchange and Understanding
And thirdly, Olajo would give you the very good opportunity to now see our culture being showcased by people from diaspora, people that are not black preview in diaspora coming around and you know, the cultural aspect has always been given opportunity for you now to know, okay, this is why this is done ahead of this. This is okay.
Engaging with Cultural Questions
If this has been done, this will be the next thing and it will be, it's an opportunity to ask questions because the privilege that okay, people come around to ask questions, we must always give them answers for the questions. And we, myself and Oloye Moroni Ashabi, we are well equipped to give answers to questions of people who come around for duology because of fact that we have gone beyond the ordinary about knowing what our culture is all about.
Financial Aspects of the Festival
And you know, when will I come to talk about the financial aspect of it or the commercial aspect adjoining.
Impact of the Olojo Festival
If you try, if you get to, if already all hotels are booked, that it would increase the, you know, it going to increase what for the old, the people wants hotel down. It will increase their IgR. Besides that, all the local vendors and stuff like that, we have people patronizing them and probably in multiple vaults because people come around for want to have a feel of the environment, they want to spend their money and it is about helping a kind of development for commercial growth. And besides that, you see there are a lot of things that when you do, when you have the opportunity of coming for Olodio, you will be able to now see that, okay. Audreylody is a cultural and ancestral festival that is very important to the development of the Yoruba people. And I think this is one of the things that we all need to do. And odorological, it has always been the best because it will boost the economy of Ileife and other environments and other communities attached to Ilefe. I think I want to leave it here if there are questions. Thank you.
Cultural Appreciation
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Thank you for your solution. In fact, everything you've been saying, I've just been writing it down and actually feel like kindergarten. Learning a lot more about Yoruba culture itself. I mean, the whole likes of. Okay, okay. Moko itself, the Ojibwe, just like you said. I think I've just prayed on my diary. Like definitely, you know, God willing, I definitely would love to see someone like which is the first one of the first Yoruba market, just like you said. And this is part of our heritage, this is part of our culture, you know, this kind of stuff. So yours is very important. Actually, I have to say, what's it called, the Ology festival next year. Some of us in our community should definitely have in mind to be part of it at some stage.
Community Engagement
And I'm glad that Princess Oluwabukola, a wonderful sister, one of the mentors in our community, has always played a role, you know, being part of it. So I think next day is for Princess Bokola to make sure that Lisa, as she's packing her bags, you know, we have at least ten members of us in our community who are coming along and I'm sure that one of our brothers here on this place, Mister Luda himself, will be one of them packing up his bags as well. So I think it's very important because the truth is, even when you look at the Ojude festival, you know, we've talked about in our community that we need people from diaspora who can represent us at the Jude festival. In fact, thinking about something like, you know, Jude festival, you know, Nigerian diaspora section, you know, that kind of stuff, people from the UK, the US, Canada come together, maybe ten each in each countries and 30 in general go back home and represent that kind of stuff.
Diaspora Representation
So I think something like the loads of Facebook will also be important that we can put ourselves together in groups from the UK, US, Canada to represent that role itself. I know Princess Ola Bukala is doing a lot, but we also have to do better as well. So thank you, sir, for your submission. You talked a lot about obviously the lodge of festival itself. Of course, there's different things when you look at Yoruba culture and everything. So how does a festival uniquely represent Yoruba culture and its traditions? Because a lot of our generations have a lot to learn. A lot of second generations of Nigerians in diaspora, they have to have a lot to learn. So it's important that we have some of these spaces where people can talk about this, you know, this part of our culture that people don't have a clue about.
Educational Importance of Festivals
So if you just explain to us like a nursery school student or maybe a primary school student. So how does the festival uniquely represent the Yoruba culture and its traditions in general? The mic is yours, sir. Hi. Yeah, he's going to answer. He's going to come back online. We've been trying to get Madam Ashabi to join us on the speaker's space, but for some reason we can't find her. So I think, I believe Madame Ashabi is going to where Mister Yinka is at. So she will also probably be using this same handle while she figures out her own handle. But. Yeah, that's a very good question. But I hope. Mister Ink, are you there? Or Oloye, are you both there? Oh, fantastic. Hello. Hello. Welcome.
Discussion Continuation
Thank you so much. All right, no problem. Do you want Oluwama to repeat that question again? Okay. Olaya Shabi is almost there. She's almost there. Okay. Fantastic. It'll be great to hear it. Excellent. Thank you very much. Would you like Oluwama to repeat that question for you again? Okay, let me hear the question, please. Thank you. Okay. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Princess. Actually, princess. Hey, I need to start getting used to it from now. So guys, from now, APBM bookie, no more apbuki. Princess Oluwa Bukola put our expert on there.
Cultural Identity
In fact, hopefully this time makes it be her Royal Highness princess. But I'm not going to talk too much on this place. That's too much. Now. It's okay. Two weeks time. Go back to Ab. Go back to you. That's okay. So, yeah, thank you, sir. Thank you for the. So the question I was going to ask is, how does the festival unity represent the Yoruba culture and its traditions? Thank you. Good evening, everyone. Madame. Hello, aba, how are you doing? I'm fine. Thank you for making time. We really appreciate you.
Introduction of Oloya Shabi
Thank you so much for having me. So glad that you're here, honestly. Thank you. But yeah, thank you for being here. And for everyone that's listening, this is Oloya Shabi. She's one of the custodians that supports baba. But I'll leave her to introduce herself because she's really amazing. I see a lot of the work that she's been doing over the past years. And yeah, I'll pass the mic for her to introduce herself and to help answer that question. Thank you. Madhouse.
Foundational Aspects of Yoruba Culture
All right. Thank you so much. Mo kibo boatunde. To answer that question, or several other questions that have to do with culture and tradition, we must go back. We must rewind. We must start from the basics. We must go back to the roots. What am I talking about? First and foremost, we must identify who we are. We must ask ourselves very salient questions. Who am I? Because over time, and it's a disservice, it's an injustice that has been done to the black race for many centuries for people to come and tell us that what we own or to tell us that our ancestors are evil. Okay. And then we must worship theirs. We must start from there.
Cultural Reflection
You know, these days people say, oh, village people. We are. We are coloring our village people in very uncharitable prints. We must start from asking, from telling ourselves, you know what? I am a God. Okay? There is the supreme God, Olo Dumare, the creator of heaven and earth. Oba Mori. The one who has shaped all of us. The one who is directing our path. All right? But we must first of all ask ourselves, who am I? What am I? Okay? Because. Because modern tradition. I beg your pardon. Modern religion will make you question Odo issue.
Modern Misunderstandings
You know what Odoinshu is? New Yam festival. I have heard people say that new yam festival is evil. How ridiculous can one be? I've heard people say that Odwegun is evil. Totally preposterous. You know, when you look at places like, I'm trying to remember the country now I can share it with Omobao as soon as I'm done. I think it's Poland or something. Or Romania. There you go. Romania. They have cultural festivals in Romania. They have eggo festivals. We call it egun. They call it. I think one of their festivals is called the goats. I think it is something about goat festival, where they put on all kinds of costumes that look similar to ours.
Cultural Evolution
And they have different festivals across the year. Okay, so the very basic thing is to sit down and tell ourselves some home truths. Religion has bastardized what we own. Religion has brainwashed us, so to say. Religion has made us distance ourselves from what we truly own. Religion has made us distance ourselves from truly being the gods that we are. There are references to us being gods in the Bible, even in the Quran. Okay, but we don't own those chapters. We don't own. We don't. We have not owned those narratives.
God and Identity
So we begin to look for people who call themselves men and women of God. Who is God. First of all, we must identify ourselves as. So, okay, so let me. Let me. Let me go back to culture and tradition at every. There are different types of cultural practices in different parts of the world. I can tell you for free that some. Some of the cultural practices that are archaic. I put that in parentheses. That are archaic in Yoruba land have, over the years, been eradicated. I'll give you an example, that of Abu Baku.
Cultural Practices
In the past, when a king dies, it is automatic that the traditional ADC. The traditional ADC will be buried along with the king, alive. But that has been eradicated long, long ago. What am I saying? Over time, culture is evolving. It's becoming more beautiful. We must go back to our history. We must understand the part of our cultures that are so beautiful that even the Europeans have started emulating and inculcating into theirs. Meanwhile, we are running away from those things. Very soon, we will begin to go and learn ifa panegyrics from the oyiboman if we are not careful.
Language and Culture Preservation
Now, a study has shown that in the next, shall I say 50 years or 60? Between. Between 61 hundred years, Yoruba language is at the risk of going extinct. You know. It is a study. It is a research. It is a paper that exists that if we are not careful, because a language that cannot exist on its own without code switching. What do I mean by code switching? There are so many people who cannot speak Yoruba fluently. In ten sentences, without injecting one English word, maybe two English sentences here and there and here and there. Now, if you cannot speak your language without injecting another language to substantiate it, then there's a problem.
Community Language Dynamics
Many of us here are very guilty. We don't speak Yoruba to our children. We don't even teach them the things that make us who we are. We don't even have. We try to. When our children ask about certain things concerning our culture and tradition, we discourage them. Okay? So in talking about culture and tradition, we must go back to the roots. We must encourage our children to wear what is ours. I'm not saying it's wrong to put on wigs. I'm not saying that's not what I'm saying. I wear wigs sometimes.
Cultural Pride
But let's showcase who we are. Even abroad, there are simple iru ambuba that we can wear, that people will look at us and admire us. There are things that we can do that, you know. It will attract good attention. There's a problem with Gen Z today because they don't forgive me. A lot of Gen Zs don't believe in respect. When you see an elderly person, you must genuflect as a lady. But if it's a really old person, you have to kneel down. For a man, you must take a bow or you prostrate properly.
Respect for Traditions
If it's an elderly person, these values are. Shall I. I don't know if they've completely been eroded or something. I don't know, but they're going away. We must ask ourselves very salient questions. No matter how. How well we can speak English, we cannot be the white mandae. We can. We cannot change the color of our skin, you know? So. So it's important. Excuse me. It's important to go back and ask ourselves, you know what?
Cultural Reflection
Let me. What? Why? Why are they calling my ancestors evil? Why are they calling our cultural practices evil? You know, when they say one shay, one bogu, it is not evil. No. When they say one bonnite, the question is, are they worshipping Oshun or are they worshipping Ogun? No. Are they worshipping all these lesser deities? No, they are not. We don't worship them. It is just paying homage. It is just propitiating them.
Worship and Beliefs
We worship only Olodumare. And some people refer to him as ele Dumare. It means the same thing. So these cultural practices, things we must reflect deeply upon and begin to. But we must start from the home. We must start from ourselves. Absolutely. What do I need to do? What do I need to know? Let me pause for now. Thank you. Sure. Thank you. Thank you very much, madam.
Cultural Education
Thank you. I really love the angle you went to. I love the perspective, I mean, the educated, educating part just to enlighten us itself. In fact, when you talked about the Abobaku issue, I mean, I remember many years ago, you know, when obviously headed by the Boba core, and I was very angry, like, you know, the level of our, of some of our culture. But I'm just so glad that our culture is modernizing. We're revolving instead. We're moving forward.
Cultural Advancement
We get things right. And I love the fact that you also talk about the Olodumari part, because a lot of people nowadays, you know, they believe that, oh, someone's, you know, doing abcDehe, doing the writing. And so by the end of the day, you know, all we doing is just, you know, vital culture and, you know, even passing on to the next generation, because if you do not pass on to the next generation, I'm afraid it's not going to go down the hill. So I'm glad, you know, we're passing that perspective.
Importance of Continuity
Right. And just like you said, you know, we, our culture is always going to be our culture. Doesn't matter. Even if you're Princess Bukola, who's lived in UK for 45 years, our culture is going to be our culture. I mean, Princess Bukola is a perfect example herself, I don't think then on this place has been in UK as much as even diaspora itself like Princess Bukola. And here we are in a stand today. You know, she's the one actor behind this, you know, pushing this ramp in our face to say, listen, yes, we're in diaspora, but that doesn't give us the right to understand that listen, we also have to do more to make sure we value our cultures at all times.
Continuing the Cultural Legacy
So we're just going to keep you moving because of time. We've been here for 45 minutes. That's funny how time moves. So thank you, Madame Shabi, for your submission. My next question will be regarding tourism itself. A lot of Nigerians in diaspora want to come back home, support the lodge of festival, and not just itself. A lot of us from the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Australia, you name it, people are coming back with a lot of money supporting local economy itself. So how does the lodge of festival impact the tourism itself?
Tourism and Economy
Because at the end of the day, if we also want our country to get better, our local regions to get better, people in dust, perhaps come and support. So how does the ology of festival, or I'll probably say, in what ways? In what ways has Ologio festival impacted tourism in Ilefe and the surrounding regions itself at all times? Mike is your mandev. Okay, thank you. You see, before Baba ascended the throne, okay, they used to, the Kabyesiano used to have a lot of festivals as well, but it wasn't as buoyant, it wasn't as loud, and it wasn't as known.
Historical Context of Festivals
Why? Because there wasn't social media at the time to push on different platforms. Okay? But now that Baba is on the throne, we're using all social media platforms and even the old media to push it into the people's consciousness that there is a festival called Olojo. Okay? And let me. It will interest you to know that Olodjo is older than Ojudioba festival. But that's a discussion for another day. All right? But because we, the Jebu people, are so persistent, the Jebu people are united.
Importance of the Festival
This festival has come to stay. We will push it. And what they've done, let me tell you what they've done, is that the Jebu people in different parts of the world join themselves together. They form groups, okay? They form clusters, and then they now revert those clusters back home to the head of the Olorio Moba in Ijebula. They send their different group names and everything. What they stand for, XYZ, to the main platform here in Nigeria. So what I think we can do is copy that narrative, okay? When all the people from Ileife all over the world can begin to put themselves together and say, you know what? Let us push what is ours. Let us own what is ours, okay? Let's begin to have clusters in different parts of the world and then for those who are able to come home, they can come home.
Security Considerations
They just reach out to the palace and reach out to the committee putting Ologio festivals together and say, listen, this is who we are. We want to come home for this ology festival. And when can we come? Now. It is important to note that, yes, they can come home, but we must be careful about security. Yes, it is important. We cannot ignore that because if we ignore that, it means that we are putting our heads in the sand like an ostrich. Okay. If you want to travel in groups down to any part of Nigeria now, be conscious of security. Ensure that you are well protected. Hire private security firms or even go straight to the police and tell them, you know what, this is what we want to do.
Tourism in Nigeria
We need xy number of agents to come with us. This is where we are going, okay. Because we cannot say, because the country is shaky that we would not do what is right. Let's just go to the law enforcement agents, get them 1234 agents to come travel down with us. And I come down to Ilefe, register properly, register with the palace as a group in whatever part of the country and, you know, be part of the ology of festival. I say it every time that we have not scratched the surface of tourism in Nigeria. We haven't at all. It's really such a shame that such a, such a platform. Our tourism platform in Nigeria is enormous.
Promotion of Ologio Festival
I don't know if anybody on this platform knows that there is a castle. A castle, a castle that is like the old english castle in northern part of Nigeria. Really beautiful. But it is in the heart of the north. And of course we know what is happening concerning traveling and security and all of those things. There are so many beautiful parts of northern Nigeria that will strike you in awe when you get there or when you see those pictures, you know. So tourism in Nigeria is still at a teasing stage. Tourism in Nigeria is still all about entertainment, music, you know, festivals.
Challenges in Tourism
Perhaps we can add Nollywood. Okay. But there are so many parts of tourism that a lot of people don't know. Okay. It was when I served as a special advisor to the governor on tourism and intergovernmental relations that it became clear to me that there's a lot of work to do. You know, it is only when the government decides to put square pegs in square holes that certain things will begin to function properly, you know. So, yes, we can push the narrative of Ologio to people, you know, let them understand the beauty of it.
Promotion Strategy
Let them understand the history of it. Let them understand that they can be part of it at any point in time. We don't discriminate. Join us. Okay, I'll take a pause here. Okay, fantastic. Thank you. Thank you very much, Madam Ashabi. I really love the fact that obviously went back deep talked about things that could make a big difference for us. And yes, like you said, insecurity. Maybe you like it or not, we are Nigerians. I think no matter what happens, security comes first and everybody's success will be forced.
Call for Unity to Address Insecurity
I'm just hoping the federal government as well will also work on insecurity going on in our society to make life a lot easier. Because maybe, like I said, we can talk about tourism when we have an insecurity problem, not so. So absolutely. That's something we all need to look inwards. To us Nigerians in total NJP, thank you for being honest. Like you said, I love people that speak truth to power to say this, if there's a problem, how do we resolve this problem? Because if you can resolve that problem, we can move forward afterwards itself.
Communication Issues
Can you hear him? No, I can't. I'm gonna go and come back. Okay. I don't know if anybody can hear me. Yeah, we can hear you. We can hear you. Go ahead. Okay. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Thank you so much. Mister Ola Inkai, good evening. I think I know you personally back in Ile fair. Yeah. Thank you so much. And you're welcome, sir. Misses Shabi, good evening. Thank you for everything. You. Yes sir. Yes sir. I greet you, madam. I'm sorry for that. We are grateful and we are glad you've said so many things.
Concerns about Language Extinction
And one of the things that I would love to say one or two about is the concern of language extinction. Yoruba language to be precise. I think we are in an era of social media, and I'm glad for that because if you look at our artists, I mean our singers, people who do one or two things about content creation. I'm sorry. By the way, my name is Delugo Keluda. I'm sorry I didn't see that earlier. So people who do one or two things about content creation, they are now making use of Yoruba. Yeah. Ashake to state and some other artists who do stuff online and all that. So social media is really helping a lot and I believe that the Ologa festival is not getting that recognition because I grew up in Ife.
Personal Attachment to Cultural Events
I'm from elu, and everybody knows elu. Elu, mefa, if a midday. Yes, I'm from ilif, and I'm glad because I was able to witness Olodio, I think, twice or thereabouts, and I was so glad, you know, witnessing something of such. And I witnessed at least oshunoshobo festival and Ojudioba. So I believe that we need to do more of our storytelling because the other time when Madam Ashabi was saying that Ologio has been. Has been existing before Ojudioba, there was a lady that was objecting that point. She was sending thumbs down because she doesn't understand history. I wouldn't blame her because our storytellers, they tell stories that suit their own narratives.
Perception and Promotion of Yoruba Language
Do you understand? You know, when an Oyo man writes stories, he writes things that, you know, suit the narrative of the Oyo people and all that. So the Yoruba language, I can tell you for a fact, because of what I personally do on this platform and some other platforms that I post my content, Yoruba language would not go into extinction. Because before a language goes into extinction, language shift, you know, when native speakers of the language are not ready to speak it. But I can tell you for a fact that even on this platform, when Twitter space came, a lot of spaces that I saw, they were speaking English to carry their audience along and all that.
Creating Spaces for Yoruba Language
But when I came, I said, oh, look, it's not as if we do not speak or understand how this thing works. People speak English here and there. Let us come with a different ballgame. And we started, oh, let's pick Yoruba. Olu Omar has joined my space, and we have Oriki le Yoruba. We do where we do all sorts of things that promote the Yoruba language, and we are glad for that. The western religion that mentioned it would be so hard to believe all the things that the western people brought to us. I mean, religion in quotes now, and you will not have problem with our own religion. I mean, the culture, the tradition.
Cultural Practices in Yoruba
As she was explaining, trying to, you know, run us through how Baba will leave the palace, you know, to oke Mogun to id and all that. Some people will still find it difficult to believe because of the western religion. It is, you know, religion and dogmatism. You know, they walk hand in hand. There are some things you need to just believe. There are some things that maybe you need maybe a practical example, something that flashes your face and, oh, will make you say, oh, so this is real. There are still people who are Muslims, who are Christians and they believe that I want KIng Baba. And so fabulous, you know, that's, that's belief.
Stories and Heritage
Because number one, the parents that gave birth to them, they are Christians, they are Muslims, they are grandfathers. At some point in their lives they do not believe in all those things. But we need to retell our stories. My point, we need to retell our stories because when people who tell stories are no longer there, stories would never be there and sorry. Please. So. And that is why I'm glad. Mister Ola Enka Bikule, Madame Olui Ashabi, you know, they've said things that even some of those things they said, I never had some of them despite the fact that I'm from Ilefe.
Cultural Learning and Communication
And I'm glad. So if things like this could, you know, come up and people try to teach our culture to the younger ones, at least we'll be able to understand where we're all coming from without any bias. Ojudioba has proven to be one of the loudest traditional festival. Yes. Whether we like it or not, Ojudyova, because of the way they carry it, the Yoruba people will say be Onigbaba, shake big by ni Ashima Bakwe. Some other festivals, over time people have been doing them and you know, they are not as loud as Ojudioba. Yes, yes, true. Very true. Yeah.
Impact of Social Media on Cultural Festivals
That is one of the impact of social media. Yes. Like when I saw Olodjo festival. This is an undo of a representation of the Olodjo festival itself. So the first thing I did when Mister Olayinka came in was I. I quickly rushed to the number of followers this account has and I was surprised. Just 1100 followers. I just follow the account now because if this same undo, you know, I. Think the old account was disabled. Oh, it had a lot of traction, but it was disabled. That's why we're trying to rebuild now.
Cultural Awareness and Participation
Okay, okay. So I think that's not bad. That's not bad. So if that can actually, you know, talk about things that have to do with Elate and its environs. I always tell people I'm from the cradle. You know what that means when you can tell people that I am from the source. That's right. You know, my father's compound, Akata, my mother. Ojaja ita pata. Yes, sir. So I'm always proud if people ask me, where are you from? I don't I don't have to. You can. I know I'm from that number one town in the world.
Gratitude and Community Efforts
That alone gives me joy. So I really commend the effort of the Niuk, my leader, Olu omo of Debbie. We've met in, of course, is my big brother on this app, and I'm grateful. Like our path cross, sister Bukola Omoba, we've had lengthy discussions about how she really wants to promote Yoruba language and culture and the things she already planned for Elephe. So we shared things about how things could go further, and I'm glad. So I would like to drop my conditional the Yoruba language would never go destination.
Cultural Education and Support
As one of the custodians of the culture and the language, we always trying our best to make sure that people embrace more. We encourage people to speak and to understand why were born as Yorubas. Thank you so much. God bless you. You're welcome. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much, Ludayo. Thank you. Amazing, amazing job you're doing. Thank you for everything you do. Really grateful.
Community Engagement and Acknowledgment
And, I mean, I'm glad also that our path did cross paths, you know, amazing gentlemen. You know, I think a lot of people don't know what Luda does on this app. You know, sometimes even if I have a quiet day or you're tired, you just go in space and you definitely have a laugh, you know, always, you know, do something great. I just want to say a big thank you. I've been, also been a cousin of Yoruba culture that supports us in a.
Efforts to Preserve Heritage
Do a lot of stuff, you know, our heritage, pushing it out there. And not just even thyself, just even a lot of, you know, Nigerians who are born and bred in the UK who don't have a clue how some of these things work. I'm just glad we have someone like you who's, you know, who's doing that good, amazing job. I mean, you're not getting paid for it, but, you know, putting us out there, enlightening ourselves because you love different cultures, different countries, cultures, different tribes and stuff, it's also nice to see that perspective.
Encouragement and Future Actions
So, you know, I love to do more what you're doing, without a doubt, you know, but I'm hoping to have the courage for it. But it's not easy, you know, being one of the. One of the faces for Nigerians in diaspora. You have to have that right balance and stuff. But I'm more than happy to do some of these things. But I'm here for you at all time. But, you know, whenever you need me, please call on me, you know, I'd love to, you know, come on you some of your spaces, you know, let's have a laugh.
Commitment to Learning and Engagement
You know, one of these, of course, enlightening. And I'm one of the people that only. So I'm here to learn myself on a day to day basis. Know, we get to rap, but yeah, thank you Ludary, for everything. And thank you for your submission as well. And thanks for some of the things you said. And I'm sure that the ology face of our people, they've learned a few things. And just like you said as well, I've never seen this handle before.
Future Promotion of Cultural Events
I actually just follow the handle. But what I'll do tomorrow is obviously promote the handle more. I think I saw a king did a tweet the other day about it. I saw the flyer. So I think the only criticism I will say here is, you know, for example, Logos festival, we should have had a space maybe even two, three months ago, understand? Then people could have pre planned themselves and everything. But in life you learn every day, it's never too late.
Planning for Future Festivals
Now, you know, now we know that the logic of festival is around September every year now, so people can pre plan it. Even me, myself from around June, July, we start putting it out there. The world's out there, you know, if you go in groups, you know, we can organize ourselves, you know, and the good thing is that we probably have a group. We set you up. And then more than happy to say that Princess Ola Bukola should be the admin of that group.
Encouraging Participation and Collaboration
Let's get more people on board if you're interested, come on board. And we start pre planning for next year itself in a stand. And, you know, before you know it, all the things will walk into place. And just like our guy was saying before, the OJ Jigu, for example, for me, I've written it down definitely somewhere I'll definitely be going to when I'm back home as well. Very, very. In fact, I can't wait to be there.
Cultural Engagement and Experience
Take pictures, you know, take videos. I mean, this is part of our culture itself, so it's something I also want to be part of myself and be proud to say, you know what, I've been there. So when, so when next they're talking about it another so at all time. But thank you very much. So we have one of our bosses, Mister Akin, the man himself, all the way from the States. I'm going to give the mic to him.
Introduction of Mister Akin
Mister Akin loy. Good evening, sir. Malga the mic is yourself Akin. Yes. Hi everyone. Sorry, I had to run out. I'm just in and out of meetings. But uloma, great job, everyone. Bookie, third iota been pleasure just listening to you all speaking passionately and you know, with a lot of enthusiasm. I've done a lot of myself the last seven years.
Journey to Cultural Events
I always make that long journey into Ileife. I'm actually mid trip and I'm hoping all of my flights aligned properly and I get to east just in time. I'm one of those people. I, I get to the Olodga grounds just about 102:00 before, you know, the main festivities kick off. But I'm hoping this year I can be a lot more punctual. What can I say? Look, Ologia is beautiful.
Reflections on Yoruba Culture
Everything about it is very inspiring. Just watching Baba, as they said, you know, when you think of, you know, the, the journey going into, you know, the palace, coming out with the array on his head, walking to Okimogun. I mean, I've done that walk a few times. It's electric. It's everything that, you know, just makes you feel very proud about the Yoruba culture. You think about the fact that it's been going on for centuries.
Embracing Cultural Authenticity
Yes. You know, I see where ugly video about my steel, sort of the, you know, the eyeballs. But ology is very traditional. It takes you down to the roots. Everything about it is more to be desired. And I say this because a lot of times when we think of tourism in Nigeria, we often, you know, look for the glitz and the glamour. But I think when you think of the fact that, you know, you're celebrating heritage, tradition in its purest form, unadulterated.
Importance of Cultural Presentation
Absolutely. You know, you don't see Kavya, see wearing a bluetooth, you know, in his ear or wearing crocs, wearing croc slippers, you know, like your hundred percent culture. And you know, what even, you know, what would even make you, excited? Even the venue, right where the ceremony has been held. I mean, bookie, we talked about capacity. There's, I mean, you think of how you even want to fit more people in there because it's so authentic, it's so original.
Experiencing Traditional Ceremonies
The rituals, you know, the entry, the exit, if you have to do this 200 years from now, it will be the same configuration. And that's pure tradition. And I think, you know, for many that you know, cannot picture, you know, what I'm. I mean, on my Instagram page, I'm always very excited. I have my phones charged up to 100%. And the mini baba starts at work. You're in the crowd. You're walking with him to, ok, mogul.
Cultural Experiences and Community
It's just. It's just. It's just electric. Yes. You know, you might have the MS's and, you know, issue, Lalu and everybody just doing their thing, but I. It's just, it's just. It's phenomenal if you've never done it before. I would encourage you to make that journey. If it's a beautiful town, we talk about tourism, we talk about attractions.
Tradition and Authenticity
There's Adire hub. You know, for many of my friends that follow me on that trip, we spend about three, 4 hours just buying, you know, endless pieces of. Of Adire. And, you know, it's so many things you can do. You can take a hike. There's a very nice trail. Lord. I mean, I'm just really hoping. I think after this year's Allah were able to extract a lot of what I call desirables.
Looking Forward to Future Events
That just makes it something that, you know, next year, if you're listening, you've not really had the opportunity to plan to make. That trip is definitely going to be a bucket list. And I think, you know, again, talk about tourism in Nigeria, tourism in the southwest. It just really helps open ocean more to, you know, tourism not just foreign, but even local.
Future Organization and Engagement
And I think the schedule for lodger is one that, again, it's months away from December, so it doesn't really interfere. But I'll say this, as you said earlier, hopefully next year we're able to have a lot of spaces way in advance, you know, at least wet the ground. I have a group I am taking me to Ife. There are a couple other friends that just hit me up that they like to come.
Encouragement for Cultural Participation
And I'm even hoping that a convoy would even make its way from Lagos to Ife security. Even feeding my mom, for example, always makes endless coolers of amala, you know, for people that come from out of town. So I have people, you know, that go with me every year, and that's. That's it. That's something they always look forward to. So, again, I appreciate this space.
Celebrating Cultural Dialogue
I think it's just really beautiful that we're making this front and center with conversations. But, you know, send me a DM if you're looking to make that trip and there are things you need, let me know. I'll be than happy to assist but again, thanks to everyone on space for. Really just making this colorful, fantastic. Thank you, Akin.
Acknowledgment of Contributions
Thank you. Thank you, Akin. Always amazing dream. Glad to have you on board at all time. So. So festival. Madam Asabi, can you give us your closing remarks in place, madam, please. Thank you, ma'am. Okay. Led Mari Wama, Yoris, Tabashin Noah.
Cultural Reflections
See abba bobo baba loniwaju ibionibawa tobambo leni koniba tobawajua. Neighbor. Yeah. Shay led, Mary Tori, obo bashon la boki, coco la bokuta. You know, couldn't. Yeah, no, I like, but. Marie. Thank you, princess.
Closing Remarks on Shaping Culture
I don't think I need to add anything else to it. I just want everyone to please keep sharing the good news about Ologio, please, on your profile with regards to anything you've heard this evening. If you see anything that we share, please go onto all the social media platforms that we have on Ologio festival and please reshare all the positive. Colorful. Just like I can share.
Encouragement for Future Engagement
And if you are interested, please reach out. Bookie, your natural keeps on costing up. Next year. Okay, I think we've lost. I think we've lost the key. I'm not sure. Wherever you are. Okay. All right. Okay, guys.
Appreciation of Contributions
Okay. Thank you very much, everybody. I think not to show up until bookie's mic was influenced very well. We could hardly hear. So I want to say a big thank you to everybody for Jones on space. It's very important, you know, talk about culture, the large offensive value headings, everything you said on the space this evening, let's keep impact, you know, let's try and support them.
Recognizing Future Opportunities
Maybe not this year, but definitely moving forward. It could be sometime next year. People can come together, you know, do the need for things. Also very important. So you might look at our cultures, how do we get. And I love the love things they've said on this space this evening regarding the culture at all times.
Advocating Cultural Visibility
So. But yeah, let's do that and follow them on twitter, put a notification on and we could do the need for our top times. Thank you very much, everybody. We're going to have any space in the next few minutes. If you join us, I will continue something fun. Thank you, guys. Take care.
