Stakeholders from the traditional institution, government, academia and the creative industry have called for sustained efforts to preserve indigenous culture and promote cultural consciousness among young Nigerians.
The call was made at Omoge Àṣà 3.0: the South-Western Institutions Cultural Pageantry and the first Ojude Lead City Cultural Extravaganza and by Lead City University (LCU), Ibadan.
The cultural event, which celebrated Yoruba heritage, youth empowerment, cultural scholarship and creative enterprise, was organised by the Faculty of Arts under the leadership of its Dean, Prof. Anjola Robbin, who initiated the programme. The LCU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Adeyemo, who was the chief host, lauded Prof. Robbin’s initiative.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Robbin stressed the need to preserve Africa’s rich cultural heritage and ensure that younger generations appreciate and uphold indigenous values.
Held under the theme, “Cultural Elegance,” the programme brought together traditional rulers, government officials, academics, cultural practitioners, entertainers and students from tertiary institutions across South-West Nigeria.
The event showcased the richness of Yoruba culture while promoting cultural awareness, identity and scholarship among youths.
Among the prominent personalities at the event was the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who served as the Royal Father of the Day. Erelu Abiola Dosunmu Fernandez (Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos) was the Royal Mother of the Day.
National recognition of the programme was reflected in the participation and endorsement of key government officials, including the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.
Their involvement brought to the fore the growing importance of Omoge Àṣà as a platform for cultural preservation, youth development and the promotion of Nigeria’s creative economy.
Also present were the Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare; Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Ajani Olatunbosun; and Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
The event also attracted an impressive array of celebrities, artists and cultural icons from Nigeria’s creative industry.
Among them were actress, producer and cultural advocate, Chief Toyin Adegbola; internationally acclaimed visual artist, actor and cultural promoter, Chief Tunde Odunlade; actress and television presenter, Damilola Oni; National Deputy President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Yeye Rose Odika; Director of Digital Communication, Oyo State Ministry of Information, Aboyade Phebean Ojo; actor and filmmaker, Ibrahim Chatta; veteran actor and cultural ambassador, Yemi Solade; and Dr. Vinod Paleekkara, whose participation highlighted the programme’s growing national and international appeal.
A major highlight of the event was the Omoge Àṣà 3.0 Cultural Pageantry, which featured 33 contestants drawn from 13 tertiary institutions across South-West Nigeria, making it one of the largest inter-institutional cultural pageantries in the region.
The contestants participated in cultural displays, intellectual presentations, traditional fashion exhibitions, indigenous performances and leadership-based assessments that tested their cultural knowledge, creativity, character and heritage consciousness.
The Ojude Lead City Cultural Extravaganza also thrilled guests with colourful traditional processions, music, dance, drama, indigenous cuisine, entrepreneurial exhibitions and artistic showcases that transformed the university environment into a vibrant celebration of Yoruba civilisation.
Participants noted that the event successfully recreated the spirit of the renowned Ojude Oba festival within an academic setting, earning widespread commendation from guests and observers.
Another major attraction was the conferment of prestigious cultural honours on distinguished individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the promotion, preservation and advancement of African and Yoruba cultural heritage.
The honours included the Ìràwọ̀ Àṣà (Beacon of Culture) Award, presented to outstanding cultural ambassadors and trailblazers; the Àmìn Àṣà (Icon of Culture) Award, bestowed on individuals whose contributions have significantly enriched cultural development and heritage preservation; and the Èṣọ́ Àṣà (Guardian of Culture) Award, conferred on eminent personalities dedicated to safeguarding and sustaining indigenous cultural values for future generations.
Guests described Omoge Àṣà 3.0 and Ojude Lead City as among the most significant university-based cultural events in Nigeria in 2026.
They observed that by bringing together royalty, policymakers, scholars, artists, entertainers, students and cultural enthusiasts on one platform, the event demonstrated the power of culture as a tool for education, social cohesion, identity formation and national development.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the initiative would continue to grow into a nationally recognised cultural institution while positioning Lead City University as a leading centre for cultural scholarship, heritage preservation and creative innovation in Nigeria.
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