CULTURAL HERITAGE: AGUNBIADE, I.R.E.P PALEY STAKEHOLDERS TO HAVE ANOTHER HISTORIC 'ASA' FESTIVAL IN 2019. | Seidu. I remain committed to the preservation, propagation and promotion of our cultural heritage in Ikorodu Division, Hon S.O.B Agunbiade reveals.

The Ikorodu Rennaisance Project (IREP) as well as Hon. S.O.B Agunbiade, Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, have concluded all necessary arrangement to hold this year's celebration of ASA Festival on Saturday, November 2, 2019. This was revealed on Wednesday, October 9, 2019, during the Stakeholders meeting held at the Constituency office of Hon S.O.B Agunbiade.

The meeting had in attendance, members of LASPOTA, NUTRW, Market Women, Open Entertainment, Alasa group, LASMA, Neighbourhood Watch, Police from Area N, Association of Yoruba Teachers, APC Chairmen, Councillors across Ikorodu Division, NUT led by Comrade Fakolade, Pasuma fans Club, Imota, Igbogbo, Ijede, Ipakodo, Isiu and Ikorodu Development Associations, amongst other representatives.

According to the Co-Chairman of IREP, Otunba Dare Odufowokan, in his welcome address said, 'ASA' is a beautiful socio-cultural heritage of decades which usually harmonize the people of Ikorodu Division in the good old days, and the gradual extinction of this 'ASA' has been salvaged by the Opomulero of Ikorodu, Hon. S.O.B Agunbiade, in a bid to restore the emblem that unites the people of Ikorodu Division together.

"Asa carnival was first held in 2017, and have been rebranded and repackaged to further project the uniqueness of the ASA masquerade to the international communities. Besides entertainment and fun-making, it was made known that the carnival will offer upcoming artistes and tradesmen opportunities to exhibit their skills and market their products which fit into the agenda of the organizers," Odufowokan explained.

He said this year’s edition of 'ASA' Festival is aimed at projecting the dynamic culture and hospitality of the people of Ikorodu Division in particular and Lagos State in general. "With the events that would be showcased during the celebration, the festival would surely linger in the memory of residents and visitors for a long time to come," he added.

Odufowokan further revealed that they did a research on the festival, wrote a book and made documentary about the 'ASA', which was presented to the State government for approval as one of the festivals that's worthy of being celebrated in Lagos State and in Ikorodu Division.

In his eloquent remarks, the Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly and the Scout master of ASA, Hon S.O.B Agunbiade, said he has took it upon himself to promote the rich culture and tradition of the people of Ikorodu and to further strengthen the peace and cultural development of the Division, in which the IREP has taking the initiative of making the ASA festival a model of propagating affinity for all.

He said the festival could not hold last year because of the general elections, but assured that this year's festival will be a ground breaking ASA festival for all the daughters and sons of Ikorodu Division. "This year's ASA festival will have the participation  of Shagamu, Remo, Ibariba, among other communities outside Ikorodu Division. It will also be instrumental in molding the Ikorodu Division and making it a vocal point for tourist attraction in Lagos State.

Agunbiade further stated that IREP is committed to the preservation, propagation and promotion of ASA, and other cultural heritage in the Division, like 'Omi Etunrenren', Yewa River in Igbogbo and Ikorodu, 'Owodoro' river in Ijede, where two water meets. "Our intention as a Foundation is to raise the standard of our cultural heritage. We have informed the Monarchs, leaders in Ikorodu Division and we were given the go ahead. That's why we decided to get the people involved,” Agunbiade added.

Questions and contributions were entertained by Hon. S.O.B Agunbiade. But before that, the anchor man, Hon Azeez Olosugbo, explained the modalities of how this year's ASA will take shape. He enjoined lovers of ASA across the Division to join communities who are celebrating theirs before November 2nd and further urged all to purchase their Ankara for the event on time at the rate of N1,800 for six yards. Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Ikorodu born artiste, Q.Dot, amongst other artistes was said to entertain the guests on the grand finale.

OLASOJI SEIDU

Reporting for MegaXpression Community Magazine.

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