Arrangements are being concluded by the Carnival and Tourism Advancement Board of Yewaland, CATABY to hold the 2023 edition of Yewa Cultural Festival.
In a release signed by Chief Lekan Asuni, Chairman Carnival and Tourism Advancement Board of Yewaland, (CATABY), said the cultural fiesta was being organized by Yewa Peoples Development Council, YPDC, with the support and supervision of Yewa Traditional Council (YTC) under the leadership of the paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, MFR, the proposed Mega Cultural Festival Tagged ‘Celebration of Culture, Tradition, Music, Cuisine and Dance’, the cultural fiesta, designed to foster unity, cultural identity and crystallize socio-economic development among the people, would hold between Saturday 7th to Sunday, 15th October, 2023 across the five local government areas in Yewaland.
The statement added that the grand finale of this spectacular event, which holds at the Ultramodern Pavilion, Ilaro-Yewa on Saturday 14, October, 2023, would feature, among other side attractions, conferment of awards of recognition on some prominent personalities in Yewaland.
“Major highlights of the week-long event begin with a commemorative jumat service, world press conference, unveiling of festival mascot at Ilaro-Yewa, medical outreach across the five local government areas, Yewaland Economic Summit, quiz competition, Unity Cup Football Competition, cultural carnival, visitation to historical cultural sites in Yewaland and thanksgiving service.
Expected at the closing programme on Saturday, 15 October are the executive governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Oyedele Salako; all elected national and state assembly members, chairmen of the five local government areas, government top functionaries, traditional rulers across Yewaland, Yewa title and honourary chieftaincy holders, members of the diplomatic corps and the general public.
According to the statement, “For several years, Yewa Cultural Festival has been held across major towns, particularly in Ilaro, the political headquarters of Yewaland.
“The 2023 edition is however, remarkable in many ways.
“The 2023 Cultural Event marks the first time that the entire Yewa communities will come under one umbrella, YPDC, to jointly organize and hold a Mega Cultural Festival to showcase to the world, their diverse cultural heritage. In music, dance, folklore, cuisine, costumes, et al, the uniqueness of Yewa culture, customs and tradition find exclusive expression.
“Secondly is the fact that the outlined programmes of event reflect the cultural diversity of a people with common destiny.
“For the first time, these unique attributes are being explored to solidify the bond of brotherhood, peaceful co-existence, love, peace, unity, social and economic prosperity for the indigenes and residents in Yewaland.
“Third, and most importantly, is, even in the euphoria of cultural renaissance, 2023 Yewa Cultural Festival has provided an avenue for the people to chart a course for social economic rebirth.
The proposed Economic Summit is such a strategic pathway to evolving socio-economic development of Yewaland.”