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The Yoruba community in Padova, Egbe Omo Yoruba Veneto will on Saturday, July 21, put on display, the rich cultural heritage of Yoruba people to mark the 15th anniversary of the association.
The celebration which will start at 4pm is expected to have in attendance one of the most important and powerful monarchs in Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and other Yoruba sons and daughters from across the globe.
Activities lined up for the day include a symposium on the need to promote Yoruba language which is spoken by over 40 million people globally; fashion/cultural parade and display, and a rich traditional and modern Yoruba music concert.
A prominent Fuji musician, Abass Akande Obesere will perform live while other Yoruba artistes in Europe will be on the stand to complement the event.
In the words of the president of the association, Mr. Lanre Badmus, the Egbe Omo Yoruba Veneto has come a long way and has done great exploits in encouraging Yoruba sons and daughters in diaspora to promote their culture and language, especially by ensuring that children born abroad are made to witness and participate in events that could endear Yoruba culture to their hearts.
Also expected at the ceremony are the national president of Yoruba National Community in Italy, Dr. Dato Shonaike and the Ife-born immediate past president of Egbe Omo Yoruba Veneto, Prince Kolawole Oladele.
The Yoruba people make up one of the largest ethnic group in Nigeria, covering the southwest and parts of north-central, southern and central Benin. The Yoruba make up 21% of the country’s population.