Business
Garri Day Festival Targets Unity, Diversity Through Food – Obani Boyede*
*Garri Day Festival Targets Unity, Diversity Through Food – Obani Boyede*
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.
Business
Adron Games 2024 Unveiled: ‘Fit to Be the Biggest’ with Sports Icons Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju Leading the Charge
Adron Games 2024 Unveiled: ‘Fit to Be the Biggest’ with Sports Icons Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju Leading the Charge
Adron Homes & Properties is excited to announce the official unveiling of the 7th edition of the Adron Games, tagged “Fit to Be the Biggest”. The 2024 edition is set to take place at the renowned Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, from November 29th-30th, 2024, marking the second time the city of Ibadan will host the prestigious sporting event.
The Adron Games is a national platform designed to promote physical fitness, wellness, and community engagement through sports. Having previously held successful editions in Ogun and Lagos states, the 2024 edition is expected to attract over 10,000 athletes and fitness enthusiasts from across Nigeria.
The theme of this year’s Adron Games, “Fit to be the Biggest”, perfectly captures the spirit and ambition of the event. It signifies both the physical and metaphorical journey to greatness, where athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even spectators are encouraged to embrace the challenge of becoming their best selves—physically, mentally, and competitively.
The theme also promotes the idea that fitness is essential to achieving greatness, whether through competitive sports or in everyday life. It motivates participants to push their boundaries and excel, whether on the field, court, or track, and ultimately reminds them that the journey toward fitness and excellence never stops.
This year’s games will feature a wide array of sporting disciplines, including Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker, Shot Put, Long Jump, E-sports, and the fan-favorite Tug of War.
In a special highlight, Nigerian football legends Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju have been announced as the official ambassadors of the event. Both are renowned for their contributions to Nigerian football and are expected to inspire athletes and spectators alike with their presence.
Key Event Highlights:
• Event Dates: November 29th-30th, 2024
• Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan
• Ambassadors: Daniel Amokachi, Mutiu Adepoju, Vanessa Jones and MC Relax
• Sporting Events: Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker, Shot Put, Long Jump, E-sports, and Tug of War
• Special Guests: Sports icons, fitness personalities, and celebrity appearances
• Participants: Over 10,000 athletes and fitness enthusiasts
• Prizes: Cash prizes, trophies, and awards for winners in various categories
Speaking at the unveiling, Daniel Amokachi emphasized the importance of corporate sponsorship in fostering young Nigerian talents, praising Adron Homes for their commitment to promoting sports.
He said “Sports in Nigeria need more support from businesses and brands to help discover and nurture talents among our youth. Organizations like Adron Homes, through their consistent support of sports, are boosting Nigeria’s global sports performance,” Amokachi said.
Meanwhile, Mutiu Adepoju lauded the unifying and transformative power of sports and commended Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Group Managing Director of Adron Homes, for his unwavering commitment to organizing this event annually. “Sports is a powerful tool for unity and fitness, both physically and mentally. I commend Aare Adetola Emmanuelking for his continuous support of sports by organizing this prestigious event. His dedication is vital to the development of sports and the empowerment of youth in Nigeria,” Adepoju remarked.
it will be recalled that, Adron Games is an annual sporting event organized by Adron Homes & Properties to promote physical fitness, wellness, and community engagement through sports. Since its inception, the event has grown into a major national platform, bringing together thousands of athletes, corporate teams, and fitness enthusiasts in the spirit of competition and fun.
Adron Homes, through this sporting event, encourages everyone to view fitness and sports as key to unlocking personal and communal growth, building healthier lifestyles, and fostering unity across different regions, backgrounds, and demographics. “Fit to be the Biggest” represents not only the size and scope of the event but also the opportunity for everyone involved to elevate themselves and inspire others through the power of sport.
For more information, sponsorship, vendor registration and inquiries, please contact: Abiodun 08138432335
Adeboye Abiodun
Mnipr, Acicrm
Digital Operations and Media Relations Officer
Adron Homes and Properties Limited.
08138432335
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