The maiden edition of the Omoge Anago/Iroko Day Festival took place on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Integration Art Palace in Idiroko, Ogun State, Nigeria.
The festival is an initiative of Anago Heritage Festival and endorsed by HRM Oba John Olakunle Ojo (JP) the Oniko of Ikolaje-Idiroko Land in partnership with Ikolaje-Idiroko elders and youths. The Festival aimed to promote the indigenous cultures and traditions of the Anago Heritage and transform them into tools of tourism.
The festival commenced with a dinner with mission on October 11, where the objectives of the festival were highlighted to the audience. The Iroko Day celebration held on October 11, while the Omoge Anago pageant took center stage on October 12.
The pageant saw Miss Kumolu Morayo Florence from Ifonyin Municipality in Benin Republic emerge as the winner. Miss Adeniyi Favour Anna from Ado-odo Ota in Ogun State, Nigeria, and Miss Olapo Bolanle Aridatu from Benin Republic were crowned first and second runners-up, respectively.
Other award recipients included Miss Emmanuel Oluwatomisin Coker from Abeokuta, Ogun State, who won the Best Traditional Wear award, and Miss Medunoye Adenike Catherine from Ikare, Ondo State, who received the Miss Fair Play award.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Mayor of Ifonyin Municipality, Hon. Opeicha Frank, and his Deputy Mayor, Alhaja Marufat Falola Ileola; the Mayor of Sakete; former Secretary to Ipokia LGA, Hon. Bamgboye Mary; elders and youth of Ikolaje-Idiroko; and representatives of security personnel from Benin and Nigeria.
The event’s patron and matron were Mr. Olusegun Ibirinde and Olori Adelakun Gbemisola Aina.
According to Dr. Bonny Abisogun Botoku, Executive Producer of Anago Heritage Festival, “The Omoge Anago/Iroko Day Festival is a platform to showcase our rich cultural heritage and promote tourism in the region.”
The festival’s success has paved the way for future editions, promising to continue promoting indigenous cultures and traditions.
“We hope to expand more by next year. Taking African Arts to the global world and mostly bridging the gap between Nigeria and Benin Republic remains our priority,” an elated Dr. Bonny Abisogun Botoku, Executive Producer of Anago Heritage Festival concluded.
