2025 AYANGALU FESTIVAL: THOUSANDS GATHER AS OONI DRUMS FOR PEACE, UNITY, REAFFIRMS SPIRITUAL LEGACY OF ILE-IFE …GIFTS DRUMMERS N4.95M

  Thousands of culture enthusiasts, scholars, and traditionalists stormed the ancient city of Ile-Ife on Thursday for the 2025 edition of the Ayangalu Drum Festival, as the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, led the celebration with powerful drumming to promote peace, unity, and cultural continuity. The colourful festival, held at the courtyard of the Palace of Ile Oodua, drew an impressive gathering, including professors from the Departments of Linguistics and Music at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), 250 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students from OAU, and contingents from other institutions across the South-West region. In a show of support for indigenous creativity, the Ooni gifted a total sum of N4.95 million to winners of the drumming competition and cultural performers. The first-place winner walked away with N1 million, second place received N750,000, and third position got N500,000. The revered monarch also presented N2 million to performers from the Moremi Ensemble, N500,000 to ace drummer Akande Onilu, while two other drummers received N100,000 each. Addressing journalists at the event, the Ooni emphasised the sacredness of the drum in Yoruba cosmology. He said, “We believe the drum holds great significance in our daily lives. In the olden days, drums were used for virtually everything be it good news or times of war, the drum was the medium of communication. “The drum is deeply symbolic to us, the Yoruba people. Ayangalu, the originator of the drum, is venerated among the 201 deities of Ile-Ife and shares a spiritual link with Orunmila. He began his journey in Atiba here in Ile-Ife, and although some of his descendants later migrated to Oyo and Nupe lands, many still reside in Ife. Every year, we honour his legacy through this festival. “To us, Ayangalu is synonymous with the drum. I drum today for peace, for joy, and for abundant blessings. Since childhood, I have found fulfilment in promoting and preserving this sacred tradition.” Also speaking at the event, Olori Ronke Ogunwusi lauded the Ooni for his consistent moral and financial support, not only for the festival but also for cultural renaissance efforts in Ile-Ife and beyond. She praised key stakeholders such as Seamans, university professors, NYSC members, OAU pupils, traditional chiefs, and guests for gracing the occasion. “We have gathered here to celebrate our rich cultural heritage. Ayangalu represents excellence in creativity, and I urge every Yoruba person to value their roots and continue learning from one another. As the competition captivates us, let it also remind us to uphold unity and the enduring power of our tradition,” she noted

Christmas: Purified Entertainment Boss, Agboola Babawale Preaches Love, Peace, Unity •••Lauds Journalists, OAPs, Others For Support

  The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Purified Entertainment Company Limited, Mr Agboola Babawale Segun Popularly known as “Handy” has congratulated Christian faithful across the world on the occasion of Christmas and New Year celebrations. Agboola Babawale Segun an Ibadan-born showbiz entrepreneur who also doubles as the Director General of the Purified Entertainment Record Label urged the good people of Oyo state and Nigerians in general to embrace love, peace and unity as they commemorate the birth of Christ, describing the virtues as the real essences of Christmas. Mr Babawale in a Christmas message made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Capital City of Oyo State on Tuesday to Christian faithful emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence in nation building. He acknowledged the socio-economic challenges faced by the country at the moment and encouraged Oyo state residents and Nigerians at large to extend a hand of love and kindness to one another, especially to those in need, assuring that government policies would eventually deliver the much needed succour and economic restoration. “I pray that the joy of Christmas be a source of comfort for those who grieve and an eternal flame that lights our path as a nation,” he stated. Babawale through the Christmas message also appreciated members of the fourth estate of the realm, especially the entertainment journalists in the state, the On Air Personalities (OAPs), Continuity Announcers, as well as all other critical stakeholders in entertainment sector for the massive support received in the current year which has led to numerous successes recorded so far at company. Babawale stated, “I’m using this festive season to acknowledge the efforts of all our stakeholders in the entertainment industry, this year has been a very engaging and productive one, this is made possible through the commitment and support we received from members of the fourth estate of the realm, this includes our dedicated entertainment reporters, Bloggers, v-bloggers, our On Air Personalities, the Continuity Announcers, the hype men, event planners, the DJs, our bouncers, and other stakeholders. “All our achievements recorded in this year so far would have not been made possible if not for your support and understanding, you all keyed into our vision and we regards to you all as critical stakeholders in our brand. “As we look forward into more positive energies from you all in the coming year 2025, on behalf of me, and the entire crew of Purified Entertainment Company Limited, we are wishing you a Merry Christmas and prosperous new year.” “The message of Christmas is one that speaks to the exigency of every moment. It enjoins us to show love and empathy to all. As Christians across the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, may the message of joy inherent in Christmas radiate in our lives and in our dear nation. “When we imbibe the true message of Christmas, which is love, peace, and unity, we will see no divisions, but a common thread of humanity. Being an end-of-year festivity, Christmas is often an auspicious time to re-dedicate ourselves to the virtues of peace, patriotism and love. He wished Nigerians a happy and hitch-free Christmas celebration.