Ọmọ Yorùbá Àtàtà Socio-Cultural Initiative (ỌYÀSI), an organisation dedicated to showcasing and promoting Yoruba cultural values globally, is set to host the first edition of World Headdress Day.
The landmark event will take place by 10am on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Single Tennis Court, Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adámásingbà, Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a release, signed by the group’s Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ọgbẹni Ọlawale Ajao, “the celebration aims to spotlight the vibrant diversity of headdresses from cultures across the globe while championing the recognition of World Headdress Day by UNESCO.
“Over 2,000 participants from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds donning symbolic headdresses that represent their heritage, are expected to grace this inaugural event.
“One of the Initiative’s key objectives is to inspire scientific exploration into the traditional uses of headdresses and their potential benefits to humanity.”
Highlights of the event, he said, would include unveiling the hidden powers of Yoruba traditional caps (Fìlà) and Gèlè, alongside headdresses from other cultures.
Participants, according to him, would be seated based on their chosen headdresses, a gesture of unity in diversity.
While Alàgbà Alao Adedayọ, Chairman, Aláròyé Newspapers and Online Television
and Alhaji Oriyọmi Okikiọla Hamzat, CEO, Agidigbo FM will host all participants at the event, Dr Wasiu Ọlátúnbọ̀sún, the Ọ̀yọ́ State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism will be the chief host; and His Imperial Majesty, Ọba (Dr) Akinloye Owolabi Ọlakulehin, Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Royal Host.
His Imperial Majesty, Ọba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, Olúwòó of Ìwóland and his Isẹyin counterpart, HRM, Ọba Sefiu Ọlawale Oyebọla, the Asẹyin of Isẹyin and his wife, Olori Oyebọla, are royal fathers and mother of the day respectively.
Keynote lectures will be delivered by Dr. Ọlálẹ́yẹ Samuel Káyọ̀dé of the Department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan;
Alagba Alao Adedayọ, CEO of Aláròyé Newspapers and Online Television, as well as the renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Taofeeq Akeugbagold.
The lectures will explore themes around unity in cultural diversity and the hidden significance of headdresses in various societies.
This initiative marks the beginning of an annual tradition aimed at celebrating cultural heritage, fostering unity, and inspiring global recognition for the rich traditions embedded in headdresses.
