events

Rotary Foundation celebrates 120 years of humanitarian impact in Lagos

Published

2 years ago

February 25, 2025

Asiwaju Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole urges Nigerians to embrace selfless giving at the Rotary Foundation 120th anniversary celebration in Lagos

Former Lagos commissioner and Colenson Group founder, **Asiwaju Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole**, has called on Nigerians to make a positive global impact through selfless giving.

He made this appeal during his opening remarks at **The Rotary Foundation Dinner & Dance**, held at the Civic Centre, Lagos, to commemorate **Rotary International’s 120th anniversary**.

Olawale-Cole commended **Rotary International** for its humanitarian initiatives, describing it as a beacon of **hope, kindness, and compassion**.

He acknowledged Rotary’s far-reaching impact, highlighting the millions of lives transformed through its service projects.

Speaking at the event, **Rotary District 9112 Governor** and Afem Publishers Managing Director/CEO, **Rotarian Olufemi Adenekan**, expressed deep appreciation to donors for their unwavering support.

He emphasised the foundation’s role in addressing global challenges and improving communities worldwide since its establishment in **1917**.

Chairman of the event’s planning committee and past president of the Rotary Club of Victoria Garden City, **Rotarian Omotunde Olaleye**, urged attendees to continue supporting Rotary’s core mission. He reinforced Rotary’s commitment to:

– **Promoting peace**
– **Fighting diseases**
– **Providing clean water**
– **Saving mothers and children**
– **Enhancing education**

“Your contributions help us **empower communities, foster global understanding, improve health outcomes, and create educational opportunities**,” Olaleye stated.

Themed **”Rotary Foundation: The Heart of Giving,”** the event featured vibrant **cultural performances, entertainment, and networking opportunities**.

A key highlight of the night was the **Humanitarian Awards**, recognising outstanding Nigerians for their philanthropic efforts.

Honourees included:

– **Asiwaju Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole**
– **Olori Amb. (Dr.) Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi**
– **Elder Urum Kalu Eke**
– **Anthony & Pharm. Silvia Onwuere**
– **Dr. Taiwo Afolabi (Chairman, SIFAX Group)**

Additional awardees were **Seni Adetu (former Guinness Nigeria MD, CEO of Algorithm Media), Chief (Mrs.) Maria Phillips, Basorun Peter Ogunbayo, Dr. Augustine Onwumere, and Michael Ikenga (CEO, ITStack Limited).**

Since its inception with an initial donation of **$26.50** by the **Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri**, The Rotary Foundation has grown into one of the **world’s largest humanitarian organisations**.

Its mission remains to **advance goodwill, peace, and global development** through impactful service projects.

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events

Oluna’s Ifa Festival Draws Pasuma, Malaika to Owode Egba

Published

2 weeks ago

November 2, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Oluna Ifa Festival 2026 brought Pasuma, Malaika, Ibrahim Chatta and other celebrities to Owode Egba for a two-day cultural celebration

Owode Egba in Ogun State became a centre of cultural celebration on October 30 and 31, 2026, as the families of High Chief Ayoola Adeyi Olaifa, the Olu Nla, also known as Oluna of Owode Egbaland, hosted a two-day Ifa Festival featuring prominent Fuji musicians, Nollywood personalities and traditional rulers.

Also read: Ajaero Insists NLC Can Negotiate Alone in Labour Dispute

The event, tagged Ifa Festival ’26, was organised around the theme of heritage, music and community, bringing together residents, visitors and entertainment personalities for two days of cultural activities and live performances.

The first day of the celebration took place at Olunla Villa, Balogun Quarters, Owode Egba, with Fuji musician Sulaimon Alao Malaika leading the entertainment.

He was joined by Alhaji Saheed Bamidele, popularly known as Ife Arawe, guest artiste Olariiki and Awise Mass Kenny, also known as Eyinju Oganla.

Activities continued on Saturday, October 31, at All Saint School 1, Owode Egba, with a bigger entertainment line-up led by Fuji star Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, popularly known as Oganla.

Other performers included Segun Johnson and T.I Blaze, while Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta was scheduled to make a special appearance.

Yemi Olade and Kukoyi Adedoyin served as masters of ceremonies for the second day’s programme.

The festival also featured a strong traditional and royal presence. Oba Kolawole Arewa Sowemimo, the Gbadewolu 1 and Olu of Owode Egbaland, was named Royal Father of the Day, while Chief Otunba Michael Oluwole Soretire chaired the occasion.

The gathering brought together traditional leadership and contemporary entertainment, highlighting the role of cultural festivals in celebrating community identity and connecting different generations.

With Fuji performances, celebrity appearances and the presence of traditional rulers, Ifa Festival ’26 provided a platform for residents and visitors to celebrate the heritage and communal spirit of Owode Egbaland.

Also read: Ajaero Insists NLC Can Negotiate Alone in Labour Dispute

The organisers described the event as an opportunity to celebrate culture, tradition and the identity of the community, placing Owode Egba’s cultural heritage at the centre of the two-day gathering.