Hundreds were in attendance at the second annual Ogun Day ceremony held in west Dublin recently.
The three-day socio-cultural and fundraising celebration, hosted by the Association of Ogun State Indigenes in Ireland (AOSI Ireland), featured a Yoruba talent contest, a family fun day and a special gala awards night.
Addressing guests at the packed gala night on Sunday 8 September, Nigerian Ambass-ador to Ireland Felix Pwol commended the association’s members, whose origin are in Ogun State in south-west Nigeria, for their strong efforts “to preserve our culture, particularly for the young generation”.
He also congratulated them for raising funds to complete work in converting existing buildings at two separate schools in Joga and Imasai into libraries, which they also equipped with computers and learning aids.
“It is always good to see what value they are adding at home,” the ambassador told Metro Éireann afterwards.
Special guest speaker at the event was barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, secretary to the Ogun State government, who said state officials have promised to continue to collaborate with the association in its efforts to contribute positively to their home region.
Praising the positive impact the association has made so far, Adeoluwa called on Ogun state indigenes in Ireland and foreigners interested in investment in new markets to consider supporting Ogun State.
Earlier, Fingal Councillor Eithne Loftus, representing Fingal Mayor Kieran Dennison, said the mayor was “particularly impressed” with AOSI Ireland’s work.
Cllr Loftus read a statement from the mayor, in which he said: “It gladdens my heart when groups of people come together for the purpose of helping others.
“For example, the way your organisation has been proactive in providing vital information and empowering its members in Irish community by effectively facilitating their integration into the society is a welcome development.”
One highlight of the evening was the prize presentation to six-year-old girl Oluwanumilekun Makinwa, winner of the Friday’s ‘Yoruba Got Talent’ show. Other awards went to Rt Matt Porter of the Rotary Club Dublin, Akeem Sanusi of Kimex Afro-Carribean Foods and Kunle Animashaun of Camino Productions.
AOSI Ireland president Adedotun Adegbesan thanked all the guests, including deputy speaker of Ogun State house of assembly Tola Banjo and the association’s board of trustee chair Adeola Ogunsina, as well as Dublin City and Fingal County councils for their support.
