On Wednesday, 23rd March, 2022, The Adéàbẹ̀kẹ́ Fábọ́lá Educultural Organization (AFECO) hosted the second edition of its annual lecture series, main theme: The Nigerian Youths: Preparing For The Future and the Sub-theme : Before We Lose it all- Issues in the Challenges of Youths and Youthful Paradigm, at Ila Ọ̀ràngún, Osun State, Nigeria .
The event also featured the auditioning of new intakes into the organization, as well as, donation of prizes and scholarship from well-wishers.
The Adeabeke Fabola Educultural Organization (AFECO) which was founded in 2018 by Dr Adeola Adijat Faleye is a non- governmental organization that seeks to empower youths, single mothers within the age brackets of 7 and 25 years by nuturing and holding in high esteem the promotion and preservation of Yorùbá culture and lanuguage.
Anchored by Olayinka Abefe and Kolawole Abdul Azeez, the event was graced by several dignifying icons which includes a representative of the Deputy governor of Osun State,(the PSO, and C.P.S, Mr Olaniyi Ajibola, Mr Tayo Babalola ably represented Hon Ajagunla Olubiyii Fadeyii, the Tayese 2nd of Yorubaland,. Also well represented is the Ọọ̀ni Ògúnwùsì, Ojaja of Ile-Ife by His royal majesty, Asoya of Ile- Ife, Oba Muraino Adedini.The royal Host of the day, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwahab Olukayode Oyedotun, Bibiire,Orangun Ilé-Ìlá was Present through her Eésàyà, the Olori Abosede Oyedotun. Also present was the Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Phillipines, Ambassador,Dr. YẸMÍ FARONBI, Àràbà Adéwálé Ọ̀ṣọ́, HRM Fẹ́mi Òtítọ́ọlá, Rep of Ọba Adédòkun, Àràbà Ifálérè Ọdẹ́gbọlá, Prince Túndé Ọdúnladé, The CEO Odunlade Art Connexions Gallery, Adedayo Alao, Aláròyé Publishers, secondary school teachers, students, INSA Alumnus and the press amongst others.
According to the Founder Dr Adéọlá, Yèyé Adéàbẹ̀kẹ́ , the organization despite being situated at Ila Orangun had branches all over the south-western Nigeria.She went on to appreciate the presence of the Osun government officials, royal dignitaries, students, teachers and the press.
Also, she stated that for a student to be qualified for the empowerment, and other training that the Organization engages, the candidate must have a talent related to the Yorùba language use, and culture he/she wants to showcase.
However, she stated that the students were not just restricted to studying the Yorùbá culture, they are opened to studying any choice of course but with a sustained interest in Preserving the African heritage, sciences, Knowlege, among other valuable heritage for transformative essences, and also picking up vocational skills.
She then testified that most of the previous intakes of the organization have gained admission into the tertiary institution, while some are engaged in learning other skillful handcrafts to enhance their economy.
Finally, she concluded by soliciting supports from the guests to help maintain, and sustain the organizational focus with respect to various needs of the organization.
Amazingly, in response to the founder's outcry, the expected donations and institutionalization of scholarship required would be utilized appropriately for the purposes in which they are made to cater for the organization. The donations requested ranged from cash prizes to institutionalized scholarships, equipment for the mini Radio /broadcasting training center within the organization, and a bus for the organization.
Highlighting the event was the energetic cultural performances by the talented students,two lectures presented by Ambassador Dr.Faronbi Yemi : The Nigerian Youths Preparing for the Future( How to prepare for the future) and the second lecture (Choice, Making a Youth) was by Prince Bánjọ Adébágbo of the Kings Universit. Dr.Yomi Adegbamigbe from the Adekunle Ajasin University Àkùngbà, Ondo State coordinated the auditioning of the new intakes into the organization with other Respectable hands.
The event was concluded with the auditioning of new intakes which was characterized by various candidates of secondary schools accross Ìlá, Ifẹ̀, Ìkìrun, Àjàbà, and Kwara axis displayed their talents, and skill in cultural songs(Orin ìbílẹ̀) ,"Ẹkún ìyàwó,"chants like the "Ìjálá ọdẹ", drama,dance and much more.The panel of judges included Mr.Kolawole Azeez, Mr Ìfẹ́olúwa Fálẹ́yẹ, Miss Anifat Lawal, Mrs. Abọ́sẹ̀dé Adétáyọ́, Ester Akínyọmbọ̀, Dámilọ́lá Fálẹ́yẹ and Jóṣúà Lawal, Moses Ogunjimi, amongst others.
Ọọ̀ni Adéyẹyè Àkàndé Babátúndé Ògúnwùsì, Ọ̀jájá II, received the Grandpatronship award, the Deputy Gov of Ọ̀ṣun - Benedict Adegboyega Alabi, Prof Adewuyi Adérẹ̀mí David of USA, and Dr Oyèbádé Olówógbóyèga Festus, HRM Ọba Abọ́lárìn Ọmọniyì Adédòkun were honoured as *Dignifying Icons of the Organization* for their past and continuous supports, while Mrs Kafayat Oyetola, the Executive wife of Ọ̀ṣun Governor, Olorì Abọ́sẹ̀dé Oyèdọ̀tun and Olórí Ọdúnọlá Síjúwadé received the Matronship awards of the AFECO Organizations.
Among the African - Indigenous food, drinks and refreshment provided for thr purposes of entertaining the candidates and dignitaries were : Èkuru aró, Èkuru funfun, mọ́ín-mọ́ín, ìyàn, ẹ́gúsí and ẹ̀fọ́ rírò with ẹmu, ẹ̀pà, aádùn, etc
No doubt, the participants enjoyed themselves to the admiration and praises of God.
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