Akure, the Ondo State capital, will on Wednesday host a colourful convergence of royal fathers, cultural promoters and community leaders as the maiden edition of CULFEST 1.1 holds at the Adegbemile Cultural Centre.
The festival, scheduled to begin at 11am, is being organised to celebrate indigenous heritage, promote cultural education and strengthen community engagement.
Convener of the festival, Yèyé Modupe O. Akerele, who holds the traditional title of Yèyé Àṣà of Ìkà ré Àkókó and also serves as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cultural House, said the initiative was conceived to project the richness of Yoruba culture while creating opportunities for community development.
Speaking with journalists ahead of the event, Akerele described CULFEST as more than a social gathering, stressing that it represents a bold expression of cultural identity and pride.
She said the festival would serve as a platform where tradition and modern cultural expression intersect, allowing participants to reconnect with their roots.
According to her, the event will feature a variety of activities including traditional dance performances, cultural lectures, goodwill messages from traditional rulers, cultural fashion exhibitions and medical outreach programmes.
Akerele added that part of the humanitarian component of the festival would involve the distribution of free eyeglasses to members of the public who require them.
She noted that beyond celebration, the festival also seeks to impact lives through community service.
The event is expected to attract prominent traditional rulers and cultural figures from across Ondo State and beyond.
Among the royal fathers billed to attend are the Owa Ale Adimula of Ikare Akoko, Oba Adeleke Adefemi Adegbite-Adedoyin II; the Arujale Ojima of Okeluse, Oba Adeyeoba Oloyede Akinghare II; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III; the Elemure of Emure, Oba Bankole Adeyefa II; and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Odundun III.
The festival will also feature the presentation of cultural recognition awards to individuals who have distinguished themselves in the promotion and preservation of indigenous heritage.
Those to be honoured include the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Ondo State, Prince Leke Adegbite; Olamilekan Fabilola, popularly known as Masoyinbo; Yoruba language scholar, Ademola Olamide Seyifunmi; Are Ọba Àṣà Àgbáyé; President of the Ondo State AJUMN, Bolanle Lebson Idanegbe; President of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Alumni Association, Engr. (Chief) Adesina V. Adeola; and cultural promoter, St. Duro, among others.
Akerele explained that the awards were designed to recognise individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the preservation and promotion of cultural values within their communities.
She added that the festival aims to bring together traditional institutions, cultural practitioners, scholars and the wider public in a collective effort to sustain indigenous traditions and pass them on to future generations.
CULFEST 1.1 is expected to draw cultural enthusiasts, scholars, artists and members of the public who share a passion for celebrating and preserving the cultural heritage of the people.
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