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The Kunle Buraimoh Foundation, a nongovernmental organization has hosted its inaugural Osogbo Arts and Cultural Recognition Awards on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
The ceremony, held at the Center for Black Culture and International Understanding in Osogbo, Osun State, honoured individuals who have made significant contributions to arts, preservation and promotion of Yoruba heritage across the globe.
Themed “Honouring and Commemorating Our Heroes,” the event celebrated a distinguished list of Nigerian legends of Yoruba descent. Among those recognized were Pa Duro Ladipo, Toyin Olaitan, Alhaji Yekini Ajileye, Jide Lawal, Iyabo Ajani, Rabiu Abesu, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon (the Chief Araba of Osogbo land), Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, Grace Oyin-Adejobi (popularly known as Iya Osogbo), Alhaji Kareemu Adepoju (Baba Wande), Pa Adebisi Akanji, and Toyin Oladiran (Abeni Agbon), among others.
The President of the Kunle Buraimoh Foundation, Mr. Kunle Buraimoh, highlighted the motivation behind the awards, stating, “We realized that our people are not being celebrated enough, especially here in Osogbo. At the Buraimoh Foundation, we felt it was necessary to celebrate these legends while they are still with us. We also aim to inspire the younger generation, showing them that they too can become legends like those we are honoring today.”
In his keynote address, guest lecturer Adeyemi Ajala emphasized the need for government and other stakeholders to establish museums dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and historical sites in Osun State. He urged for increased efforts to protect and promote the rich cultural legacy of the Yoruba people.
Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, an Osogbo-based Ifa Priest and one of the award recipients, expressed his gratitude, saying, “This is a project people have been eagerly anticipating—to recognize, appreciate, and acknowledge the work of artists and cultural icons.”
Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, another honoree, added, “I see a bright future for this award. It began modestly, but it’s becoming something more permanent—an event where we can come together to celebrate our cultural achievements regularly.”
Veteran Nollywood Actor Baba Wande, one of the honorees added , “We thank Kunle Buraimoh, the son of our friend Buraimoh. We are grateful to God for enabling him to recognize and honor us.”
The event also featured vibrant cultural performances by students from various schools who are beneficiaries of the Kunle Buraimoh Foundation.
These performances further highlighted the foundation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of cultural custodians.
The Kunle Buraimoh Foundation’s maiden arts and cultural recognition Awards ceremony has undoubtedly set a precedent for future celebrations of Yoruba heritage, aiming to ensure that the legacies of these cultural icons are preserved and cherished for generations to come.
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