By Nollywood stars, media personalities grace Ijebu-Ode event.
The rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people took centre stage on Saturday as the IJEBU REWA Games, Hangout and Cultural Heritage event brought together entertainment stars, media personalities, cultural groups and sports enthusiasts at Adeola Odutola College, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The event, which commenced at 10 a.m. on October 17, 2026, featured traditional Yoruba performances, sporting competitions, children’s activities and commercial exhibitions aimed at promoting cultural preservation, community bonding and grassroots talent development.
Organised by the Chief Executive Officer of Ijebu Rewa, Ambassador Sijuade Olalekan, the gathering attracted Nollywood actors, radio presenters, public figures and other guests, adding glamour to the celebration.
A major highlight was the colourful display of Yoruba cultural heritage through traditional dances and performances featuring Sango, Esu, Igunu, Eyo, Agemo and other cultural expressions. A talking-drum performance by Abike Ilu further enriched the programme, showcasing the depth and diversity of indigenous Yoruba traditions.
The sporting activities also enlivened the gathering, with competitions in table tennis, snooker, football, Ayo Olopon, draughts and various children’s games.
In the children’s competitions, Yusuf Heritage Oluwanimilo emerged winner, while Adebanjo Islamiyat Ayomide finished as first runner-up and Samson Tanimowo came third. The participants received gifts and cash prizes in recognition of their efforts and to encourage their interest in sports and recreational activities.
Among the notable entertainment personalities who graced the occasion was Nollywood actress Adebimpe Akintunde, popularly known as Wasilat Coded, whose presence underscored the event’s appeal across the entertainment and cultural sectors.
The media community was also well represented, with prominent radio personalities, including Alhaji Adesola Adetoyese, popularly known as Bakini Ile Yoruba; Mayegun Olusegun Ajayi, known as Alaseye Odu’a of Super FM, Ijebu-Ode; and Omisope Olaniyi, popularly called Baba Omi of Guts FM, Odoajogun.
Others in attendance were Olalekan Balogun, Station Manager of Eagle FM, Ilese; Dayo Rufai, popularly known as Ba’royin; and Femi Adeleye, both consultants to the Ogun State Governor.
The Ogun East Independent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) was represented by Comrade Oyeyemi Adeniyi, while Alaga Gisim was among the other personalities who attended the event.
Beyond cultural displays, entertainment and sporting activities, the celebration provided opportunities for local businesses, with vendors exhibiting and selling various goods to guests and prospective buyers.
In his appreciation message, Ambassador Olalekan thanked invited guests and participants for honouring the invitation and contributing to the success of the event. He described their support and participation as important to the gathering’s overall impact.
The IJEBU REWA Games, Hangout and Cultural Heritage celebration highlighted the role of community-driven initiatives in preserving indigenous traditions, encouraging youth participation in sports and creating platforms for social interaction and small-business promotion.
The event ended on a celebratory note, reaffirming the importance of preserving Yoruba cultural identity while promoting entertainment, recreation and community engagement in Ijebu-Ode.
