Veteran Nollywood actor Chief Lere Paimo, MFR, known widely as Eda Onile-Ola, alongside other notable personalities from Yorubaland, is set to be honored on Monday, September 23, 2024. This event, organized to mark Yoruba National Day, will recognize and celebrate the contributions of individuals who have made significant impacts on the cultural, social, and political landscapes of Yorubaland.
The event is expected to be a grand occasion, featuring distinguished guests such as President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and 24 Odu’a Awardees. The Grand Council of Yoruba Youths is organizing the celebration, aiming to highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and honor those who have dedicated their lives to its promotion and preservation.
Comrade Awa Bamiji, the President-General of the Grand Council of Yoruba Youths, revealed in a statement that Governor Sanwo-Olu will lead the Southwest governors as the Chairman of this year’s Yoruba National Day lecture. The lecture is scheduled to take place at 11 a.m. at the newly renovated Wole Soyinka Theatre at the University of Ibadan in Oyo State. The event will honor Chief Lere Paimo, who is not only a prominent figure in the Nigerian movie industry but also a respected elder statesman. His 85th birthday will be celebrated as part of the festivities, recognizing his extensive contributions to the arts and his role as a cultural icon.
The Yoruba National Day celebration serves a dual purpose. Not only does it pay homage to the achievements of individuals like Chief Lere Paimo, but it also fosters unity and reflection on the issues affecting the Yoruba people and Nigeria as a whole. This year’s lecture, titled “National Unity and Agitation for Self-Determination: The Way Forward for Nigeria?” will be delivered by Governor Sanwo-Olu. The topic is timely and relevant, as it addresses the ongoing discussions around national unity and the various movements for self-determination within the country. Senator Yemi Adaramodu will contribute to this discourse as the discussant, offering insights and perspectives that will help frame the conversation around Nigeria’s future.
Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, a well-known June 12 activist and leader of the Yoruba Unity Forum (South), will chair the event. His involvement underscores the significance of the occasion, as he brings a wealth of experience and a history of advocacy for Yoruba unity and progress. Senator Shehu Sani, another prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape and a fellow June 12 activist, will co-chair the 12th edition of the Yoruba Youth Leadership Summit. Their participation signals the importance of leadership and collective action in addressing the challenges facing the Yoruba people and the broader Nigerian society.
Special guests expected at the event include President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Their presence will add prestige to the celebration and underscore the government’s recognition of the cultural and social importance of Yoruba National Day. Additionally, the event will host a range of dignitaries, including past and present Southwest governors and their deputies, Southwest Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and Speakers of the Southwest Houses of Assembly. This gathering of leaders and influencers from the Yoruba region highlights the collective commitment to the advancement and unity of the Yoruba people.
The celebration is not just a moment of festivity but also an opportunity for introspection and strategic planning for the future. It provides a platform for discussing critical issues affecting the Yoruba community and Nigeria, including the quest for self-determination, cultural preservation, and the role of leadership in driving national development. The choice of venue, the Wole Soyinka Theatre, formerly known as the Arts Theatre at the University of Ibadan, adds historical and cultural significance to the event. It symbolizes the connection between the past, present, and future of Yoruba culture and the enduring legacy of individuals like Chief Lere Paimo.
In summary, the Yoruba National Day celebration on September 23, 2024, promises to be a significant occasion that honors the contributions of illustrious Yoruba sons and daughters. It brings together leaders, activists, and cultural icons in a unified celebration of heritage and progress. The event not only pays tribute to individuals like Chief Lere Paimo but also serves as a platform for addressing pressing national issues and charting a course for the future of the Yoruba people and Nigeria.
