ANOTHER BOLD & INNOVATIVE FEAT ATTAINED TELLING AFRICA……

The Republic of Ireland was agog at the arrival of the foremost African Monarch Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi ( Ojaja II) the Progenitor of the black race with his 10 man delegation comprising of 4 traditional monarchs and their aides as well as Media Director at Ooni’s Palace, Olafare Moses on the 22 June 2019.

The warm reception by the Embassy of Nigeria in Ireland as led by the vibrant Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. V.A Adeleke and the Team TellAfrica as led by our erudite CEO TellAfrica, Gbemisola Bisi-Taiwo as well as other interest groups from the African community in Ireland was an absolute delight, a reception right on point! The members of staff in the Presidential suite at the Platinum wing of the Dublin Airport were astonished by the display of culture and unprecedented crowd waiting to receive the royal father and his entourage.

The cultural display by the Oba Isoro, Oba Meso Agbaye who came representing the Obatala clan gave us a taste of the real norm of homage paying and respect to spiritual and traditional powers that be in Africa.

It was a cultural exchange and of course promoting the TellAfrica 2019 theme “UNITING THE WORLD WHILE SUSTAINING THE AFRICAN IDENTITY ” as the royal entourage stepped into St. Mary’s Clonsila in their colourful traditional attires. The congregation could not help but adore our beautiful culture, the royalty, and of course celebrate our diversity. This couldn’t have been possible without the support of our highly cerebral Lay Reader, Stella Obe and thorough bred Alex Alino. Again, the foremost monarch and his entourage were received by the largest congregation of Africans in Ireland as led by the a true teacher and doer of His word, Pastor Adebayo Oke.

The EPIC EMIGRATION MUSEUM experience was mind-blowing as we explored for about 3 hours……. many thanks to the management of the first ever digital museum in the world for their hospitality. Thumbs up to Susan who was at her best as the tour guide and the wonderful curator in charge. Thank you Epic Emigration museum for the complimentary gifts and the Irish hospitality bestowed on our Imperial Majesty, all Highnesses and other participants. Many thanks to Darragh Doyle, the Head of Communications at EPIC for making our visit possible….. ESHE PUPO!!!

Once again, another awesome experience could not be resisted as we were welcomed by the most professional diplomat of our time, the number one citizen of Nigeria in Ireland and Iceland. H. E Dr. U.E Emenike is a 3 in 1 pack of beauty, brain and bold altogether. The deliberations at the inner chamber of the Ambassador’s office and the general discussion afterward is exemplary in nature and preaches unity. Amidst the highly intelligent speakers at the welcome reception, no one could underestimate the power of the energy in motion, our very own Cllr. Yemi Adenuga, the first female, Nigerian born Irish Councilor in Ireland…..making us proud all the way!

The Arole Oodua cup held between Afro Stars club and St. Kevins/Bohemian FC was a sumptuous icing on the cake of TellAfrica as the novelty match made great sense in terms of uniting the global community. The financier of the match includes: Yetty Kitchen all the way from Belfast, Chief David Arowolo of Heritage foods and of course, our very own team TellAfrica.

Of course, the people of Dundalk cannot be underestimated as they came out in droves to welcome the Arole Oodua, our king, Ooni Adeyeye to the Lady’swell Shrine, a replica of the Yeyemolu well at the Ile-Oodua in Ile-Ife.

Thumbs up to the man who won the community service Award for his resourcesfulness; Coach Tunde Animashaun put in his best to make the Dundalk visit a success. In same vein, Yinka Melody Maker, the leader of the Yoruba Descendant Union and Dapepper as fondly called by his fans cannot be underestimated…. you were practically the hands behind the scene. You were our Pat the postman and the same time, our fireman Sam… good job man!

…..and unto the next, the very project of His Imperial Majesty, showcasing the Art and Crafts made at the Ooni of Ife’s Palace Gallery as powered by the great artist and intellect; Badejo Victor. No doubt, the motive was kick-started as we watched the beautiful dance steps of the Edo traditional dancers. The undiluted Yoruba as spoken by our orator, Aremo Olatunbosun Abiodun Ojelabi from Petals FM Nigeria and his duo for the day, Esther Onolememen, the founder Sickle Cell Society Ireland…..and what was that beautiful eulogy, perhaps poem rendered by our own Gbemisola Bisi-Taiwo?

It couldn’t be any better as we were led to the Trinity Centre for Literary and Cultural Translation by Her Excellency, Emunike where future collaboration and synergy between the parties were discussed and we hope for greater partnership in the near future.

To round the festival up, and for the love of our “OWANBE addicts” a dinner/gala was held to celebrate the royal entry and to bid our participants farewell after the week long festivity. From the TellAfrica point of view, that pomp and peagantry should be a paid event….. but ALAS….. ROYALTY PREVAILED ON Team TellAfrica and the dinner/gala was MADE FREE FOR ALL… courtesy, of the Chairman, TellAfrica, the Arole Oodua, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi.

It was an expense free treat at the Noboring juncture of Adeeyo at Duleek and it was graced by well meaning Nigerian societies as led by the Dotun Adegbesan, the able President of NIDOE IRELAND.

We wouldnt do justice by telling you all of these in mere words, you need to experience the dance, the fun, and festivity that came with TellAfrica International Art & Craft Festival (TIAF Ireland 2019) on our documentary format…… watch this space!!!

Many thanks to the Local Organising Committee for TIAF 2019 for their selfless services in the limited time available.

We are forever grateful to the Department of Foreign Affairs / Irish Embassy in Nigeria for their support with respect to entry clearances for Team TellAfrica participants and our VIPs; they all came, saw, conquered and we waved goodbyes to our last set of participants on 2nd of July 2019.

WATCH OUT FOR FULL VISUALS & DOCUMENTARY.

We keep TELLING AFRICA.

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