DIAMOND JUBILEE: OAU HOLDS 5 DAYS CULTURE FIESTA

Kayode Olawuni

As part of the commemorative activities marking the 60 years anniversary of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the institution through its Institute of Cultural Studies(ICS) is holding a 5 Days Cultural Fiesta.

The event, scheduled to hold between Monday 30th of August and Friday 3rd of September, 2021 at the institution's Motion Ground is programmed to feature an array of cultural and entertainment shows including the Asa Oòduà Trade Fair, Adire Oòduà Fashion Show, Daily Musical & Drama Shows, Egungun Parade, Local Food Degustation among other side attractions.

The Cultural Fiesta is no doubt in fulfilment of part of the core mandate of the ICS-OAU, also refered to as 'Ile Irunmole' (House of the Gods) as inherited from its predecessor, Institute of African Studies(IAS) which is the preservation of the African Cultural heritage.

The institution whose motto is "For Learning and Culture" had over the last couple of months witnessed series of programmes and activities celebrating its six decades of existence following a World Press Conference earlier held in June to usher in the lined up events for the celebration of which the Culture Fiesta, having Prof. Felix Ayoh Omidire, the Director, Institute of Cultural Studies (ICS) as the Host and Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, the Vice-Chancellor of the University as the Chief Host is such an impressive one.

Other activities that have featured the Diamond Jubilee Anniversary of the prestigious institution which has been themed "OAU/Great Ife: 60 Years of Advancing The Frontiers of Knowledge and Culture" include The Great Ife Debate, The Post-Graduate College Day held on the 10th of August, The Great Ife Kiddies Painting Competition, The Obafemi Awolowo University 60th Anniversary Sports Festival which is still ongoing, Inauguration of the OAU Anti-Sexual Arrassment Policy held on the 25th of August which had Erelu (Dr) Bisi Adeleye Fayemi, the First Lady of Ekiti State as the Official Launcher and Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola, the Osun State First Lady as the Chief Host among others.

The Anniversary is, according to the Vice-Chancellor at the June Conference expected to climax in December, 2021 with the Institution's 45th Convocation ceremony.