society
Garri Day Festival Targets Unity, Diversity Through Food – Obani Boyede
Garri Day Festival Targets Unity, Diversity Through Food – Obani Boyede
Sahara Weekly Reports That Chief Obani Oluwabiyi Anthony Boyede Greenlyte, founder of Theatre Centrik and organiser of the 2024 African Food and Drinks Festival, Garri Day, revealed that the event was intentionally crafted to use food as a means of fostering national unity, cohesion, and diversity in Nigeria while addressing issues of ethnicity, tribalism, and disunity.
Boyede, a cultural advocate who also leads the Alimosho Arts Community Initiatives (AACI) in the Alimosho area of Lagos State, noted that the celebration would also contribute to development, as cohesion and unity are vital for national growth and advancement.
In an interview with THECONSCIENCE NG, the multi-talented thespian, traditionalist, cultural ambassador, and performance theatre icon shared insights during the annual event in Lagos over the weekend.
He reiterated his commitment to celebrating African culture with a special emphasis on Garri, a staple of African cuisine.
He stated, “The event was centered around cultural promotion and capacity building. We are celebrating the African Food and Drinks Festival, tagged Garri Day 2024. We leveraged the importance of food as a source of unity, bringing people together regardless of age or race, without discrimination, using Garri as a common denominator. We are promoting diversity across the nation. This is the 19th edition; we organise it year-round and promote our culture through various initiatives. We also host other cultural festivals under the Alimosho Arts Community Initiatives.”
Looking ahead, Boyede expressed his vision for the next five years: “We aim to establish an empire where children can acquire general academic knowledge alongside African culture. We envision a school that incorporates Ifa and the total culture of Africa alongside essential subjects. That’s why we have established the University of Kulture as an academic institution to drive this mission.”
The event was held in partnership with the Lagos State Tourism Board, the University of Kulture, Alimosho Arts Community Initiatives (AACI), and other esteemed organisations.
Regarding community acceptance, he shared, “This is a community-based programme, and we have seen great turnout, as evidenced by the attendance at our summer programme. Although financial support is limited, we are persevering. Participants are enjoying it and they remain enthusiastic.”
On the support from the state government, he praised Hon. Toke Benson, the Lagos State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, for her endorsement of the forthcoming cultural fest, which he described as the mother of all festivals, and will take place at the same venue on November 16-17 this year to conclude the year’s activities.
“Frankly, a lack of funding has been a long-standing challenge from the Lagos State government, but this year we have received their support, for which we are very grateful. We are moving forward and not slowing down.”
Temitope Ojubanire, the Garri Queen 2024, remarked on the festival’s impact on the community, stating, “The food and culture festival, Garri Day, has been amazing, evident in the quality of people who turned out.”
She added, “Garri is a beloved staple that transcends food. It is recognided globally, from America to Africa, and symbolises love, unity, and cultural heritage. That’s why we celebrate culture through Garri, a cherished food staple among various tribes in Nigeria, enjoyed in different forms, including Koro and eba.”
Discussing the children’s participation, she reflected, “Events like this create lasting memories not only for adults but for kids as well. Growing up, I remember attending events with my mother, where I learned invaluable lessons that continue to inspire me to give back to society.”
Approximately 1,000 children participated in dance, competitions, songs, and cultural activities, showcasing exhibitions from Yoruba, Igbo, Efik, South African cultures, and others.
Speaking further, Ojubanire said she plans to engage further with the community, meeting children and stakeholders to promote cultural awareness through Garri, advocating for love and humanity as a volunteer and one of the visionaries at the Alimosho Arts Community Initiatives (AACI) and University of Kulture.
The event, which held on August 24th, provided attendees with a day filled with cultural activities, including various Garri drinking and eba eating competitions, dance and drama performances, and numerous exhibitions.
The festival showcased a variety of Garri from across Africa, including Ijebu Garri with its fine texture and sweet taste, Ghanaian Garri with its spiced blend, Cameroonian Garri known for its crunchy texture and rich aroma, and traditional Nigerian Garri.
In addition to the culinary delights, the event featured a lineup of notable guests, including veteran actors, traditional rulers, and key figures from the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Tourism.
society
The Limit Breaker Sierre Leone Day 2- Spirit Brings Liberty When You Obey Instructions – Dr Chris Okafor.
The Limit Breaker Sierre Leone Day 2- Spirit Brings Liberty When You Obey Instructions – Dr Chris Okafor.
…. Obedience is the Solution to Limitations
If somebody can start it, somebody can end it, obeying instructions can change any evil patterns in the life of people, pattern of sickness, Poverty, Late marriage and what have you, when you obey instructions you will breakout of the Limitations in your father’s house.
This was the case study at the day 2 of the ongoing The Limit Breaker Conference in Freetown Sierre Leone where over 2 million faithful received Prophetic Blessings from the servant of God, The Generational Prophet of God.
Teaching on the Topic, Breaking out from the Limitations of my Father’s House Part 2, The Convener Chris Okafor world outreach Ministry COWOM and Senior Pastor Grace Nation Global Dr Chris Okafor continue on the highlights said when you obey instructions, you are prone to be free from any bondage of your father’s house.
The Generational Prophet of God also remarked that , it is not that the devil is powerful but because of the lack of Knowledge of the People, he said ignorance is a licence to bondage therefore obedience is majorly the solution to ancestral Limitations, when you obey instructions the spirit that brings liberty locate you and you will be free from bondage and every spirit of Limitations from you father’s house, you will be free from it.
It was another Powerful and Prophetic movement of God at the Conference, God uses his servant the Generational Prophet of God Dr Chris Okafor to do what he knows how to do best, Addressing Various issues, calling Names, Names of villages, while Every evil altars holding people inheritance exposed, Profiling solution to every case file brought to the conference, it was indeed a life changing Prophetic encounter in the life of the good people of Sierre Leone, the testimonies that will come after the three days prophetic encounter will be enormous and according to a participant who will not want her name mention.
The conference continues on Friday 15th November 2024 ,Same Time and Venue
“Let’s reflect as we wrap-up 2024″By Prudent Ludidi
As we stand here today, we are on the threshold of a new year. A year full of possibilities, opportunities, and promise. But before we step into the unknown, let’s take a moment to reflect on 2024.
Look back on the triumphs and the struggles. The moments that made you proud and the moments that made you question yourself. Think about the goals you set and the ones you achieved.
Reflection is not about dwelling on the past; it’s about learning from it. It’s about identifying what worked and what didn’t. What you can improve on and what you can let go of.
As you reflect on the past year, remember that you are not the same person you were these couple of months ago. You’ve grown, you’ve learned, and you’ve evolved.
Don’t be too hard on yourself about the mistakes you made or the opportunities you missed. Instead, focus on the progress you’ve made and the strength you’ve gained.
Now, as we wrap up this year and prepare for the next, ask yourself:
What do I want to achieve in the coming year?
What habits do I want to form?
What relationships do I want to nurture?
What skills do I want to develop?
What dreams do I want to chase?
The upcoming year is a blank canvas, waiting for you to paint your masterpiece. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. You have the power to create the life you want.
So, as we near the close of this chapter and begin a new one, remember that every ending marks a new beginning. Every setback is an opportunity for growth. And every success is a stepping stone to greater things.
WALLEX DAY 2024: A Celebration of Compassion and Community Support
Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
In a heartwarming display of generosity and community spirit, Chief Lawal Eniola Adewale Lawal, CEO of Wallex Estate Global Services, marked Wallex Day 2024 by facilitating the release of six inmates from the Ilaro Corrections Center. This significant event took place in Ilaro, Ogun State, and was attended by a host of dignitaries and local personalities, all united in the spirit of giving back to the community.
The initiative, which aims to promote social reintegration and support for the less fortunate, saw Chief Lawal extend a helping hand not only to the released inmates but also to elderly women in the area. The CEO personally distributed cash gifts and foodstuffs, emphasizing the importance of uplifting those in need and fostering a sense of belonging within the community. “We must remember that our strength lies in our ability to support one another,” Chief Lawal stated during the event. “This is just the beginning; I promise to extend this philosophical gesture to Nigerians regularly.”
The event drew a diverse crowd, including notable figures from various sectors. Among the attendees were Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, the Founder of IBD Implex and IBD Foundation, as well as popular Nollywood actors and actresses. Traditional rulers from both Yewa South and North also graced the occasion, highlighting the collaborative effort to enhance community welfare.
The atmosphere was filled with hope and positivity as stories of resilience and transformation were shared. The released inmates expressed gratitude for the opportunity to start anew, while the elderly women felt appreciated and valued, reminding everyone of the importance of compassion in society.
This year’s Wallex Day not only celebrated the theme of redemption but also reinforced the commitment to social responsibility. With promises of continued support and outreach, Chief Lawal and his team aim to inspire others to join in the collective effort to uplift the community.
As Wallex Day 2024 concluded, the message was clear: together, through acts of kindness and community engagement, a brighter future can be forged for all.
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