Ooni of Ife accepts role as AGLOFEST's royal patron/global

The African Global Festival Nigeria (AGLOFEST) has officially announced the acceptance of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, to feature as the Royal Patron and Global Ambassador of the AGLOFEST programme.

AGLOFEST is a cultural and socio-economic platform dedicated to celebrating Africa’s and Black Diaspora rich heritage, promoting cultural diplomacy, fostering unity and advancing global partnerships for sustainable development.

By graciously accepting this distinguished role, His Imperial Majesty brings the unparalleled prestige, influence and cultural authority of the throne of Oduduwa — the cradle of Yoruba civilisation and a beacon of African identity — into the heart of the festival.

Speaking on the development, Tunde MacAlabi, the convener of AGLOFEST, described the Ooni’s acceptance as “a historic endorsement that reaffirms Africa’s leadership in global cultural dialogue and heritage preservation.”

He recalled that President Bola Tinubu is the Grand Patron and Chief Global Ambassador of the AGLOFEST programme.

As royal patron and ambassador, His Imperial Majesty will play a pivotal role in championing the vision of AGLOFEST to: “Promote African and Black Diaspora unity and cultural reawakening on a global stage; strengthen intercontinental cultural, educational and economic collaborations; and inspire a new generation of Africans and the diaspora to embrace their heritage with pride.”

The convener further stated that, “the Ooni’s involvement underscores the importance of cultural leadership in shaping Africa’s narrative in the 21st Century.”

The maiden edition of AGLOFEST Nigeria which is planned to hold later this year is scheduled to open with an economic summit with the theme,

“Integration of the Black Diaspora through Trade, Cultural and Technological Exchange” followed by an array of cultural showcases, fashion, theatre, film and gastronomic exhibitions, and performances that will highlight the richness of African and Black Diaspora traditions and its contributions to global civilisation.

The AGLOFEST programme, which will be hosted in Abuja, Lagos and Uyo, is primed as one of the platforms that will contribute to the attainment of $100 billion contribution of the creative economy and industry to the national GDP by 2030.

With His Imperial Majesty’s royal patronage, AGLOFEST is poised to become a defining platform for Africa’s cultural renaissance and global influence.