Lifestyle
RAYLF 2024: Ooni To Host And Honor 100 Outstanding Nigerian Youths
In an inspiring move to celebrate and honor remarkable young Africans, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is set to host 100 outstanding youths under the Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF) Awards. This prestigious event, themed “Africa of the Future: Better Together,” will take place from July 9 to 14, 2024, and will bring together exceptional young leaders from 39 African countries who have significantly contributed to governance, innovation, entrepreneurship, creative culture, and academics.
The RAYLF Awards, an initiative by the Ooni of Ife, aims to recognize and celebrate young Nigerians making impactful contributions across various sectors. Since its inception in 2019, RAYLF has honored distinguished individuals, including Guinness record holder Tunde Onakoya, Nollywood actress Chika Ike, and 2020 BBNaija winner Olamilekan Al-Khalifa (aka Laycon), among others.
Addressing the media in Lagos, the Ooni of Ife emphasized the importance of Africa’s young population in achieving the continent’s Vision 2063. He stated, “One of my greatest legacies is bringing young minds together to realize that nobody will build the African continent for us except we make it ourselves, starting from our dear country, Nigeria.”
The Ooni elaborated on the genesis of RAYLF, “Five years ago, we came up with the concept of Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF), a forum for young minds both in the private sector and in the public sector, and also leaders that carry the empathy and things of social relevance on their head and also have to make a vibrant Africa better for every one of us.”
The Ooni also introduced a new initiative emerging from the forum, the Royal African Chamber of Commerce (RACC), which aims to bring about ‘African Leopards.’ These ‘African leopards’ are envisioned as transformative leaders in both the private and public sectors, driving significant changes across the continent. “What we are doing is to create a very formidable platform out of Africa,” he said, underscoring RAYLF’s commitment to sustainable development and prosperity across the continent.
By empowering and engaging Africa’s youth, the Ooni emphasized that the continent can harness their creativity and drive to unlock its full potential. “As the world increasingly looks to Africa as the next major economic frontier, initiatives like RAYLF highlight the continent’s vibrant future, fueled by the energy and innovation of its young leaders,” he added.
The main event will spotlight the RAYLF Awards Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of the 100 outstanding youths. This will be accompanied by the launch of the N1B WOMB project fund in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), aimed at supporting entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, theofficial launch of “African Leopards,” a new initiative to foster leadership and innovation, will take place.
The forum will conclude with a state dinner in Osogbo, Osun State, bringing together participants to reflect on the week’s events and forge lasting connections. As the event draws to a close, participants will return to Lagos for their departure, taking with them the inspiration and networks to drive positive change across the continent.
As RAYLF 2024 approaches, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a landmark event in recognizing and empowering the next generation of African leaders. The Ooni of Ife’s commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering a united and prosperous Africa continues to shine as a beacon of hope and progress for the continent.
On behalf of Diaspora Watch and Excel Magazine International, we proudly celebrate Lady Gladys Afam, a distinguished executive of Excel DMV and Excel Global Media Group USA, on her special day!
May this birthday mark the beginning of an extraordinary year filled with unbridled joy, untamed adventures, and unforgettable memories. May your life be a testament to the power of laughter, love, and wonder.
As a remarkable teacher, master of ceremony, and inspiration to many, we salute your tireless dedication, passion, and impact. Your selflessness and commitment to empowering others have made a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.
The marraige ceremony between Olanrewaju and Mary happened between February 7 and 8, 2025 at Kwankwashe in Suleja axis of Niger State. The event which witnessed the presence of many dignitaries also saw in presence different cultural groups that came to join in the celebrations of love.
The traditional wedding event kicked off the celebrations on February 7th, with both families present. The event had songs, dancing and showcase of love. The couples dorned their Edo and Yoruba at-tires. While the bride Mary Omonokhua is from Edo State, Olanrewaju Oyedeji hails from Osun state. There were sharing of tradtional food, drinks and merriment across quarters.
The reception on February 8, had present former Minister of Communications, Barrister Ade-bayo Shittu, Africa Editor at the Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism, Ajibola Aamzat, Abuja Bureau Chief of The Cable Newspaper, Yekeen Akinwale, representative of the Voice of Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Gidado Shuaib among other personalities .
There were personalities from the SCC Construction company, multimedia organizations among others. The wedding ceremony also saw presence of journalists from British Broadcasting Corporation, AFP, Premium Times, Dataphyte, Code for Africa, Punch Newspaper, Intercontinental News247 among other notable media platforms.
The Northern Operations Bureau Chief of the Excel Magazine International, Alabidun Abdul-Rahman, was also on ground at the occasion. Other personalities included the head of corporate Affairs at the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kwara State, Bolaji Aladie .The program also had presence of religious leaders, women groups, socio-cultural associations among others.
Speaking at the occasion, the groom, Olanrewaju Oyedeji, noted that his wife is a special gift from God. “She is my dream come true, love of my youth and my everyday crush. She gives me peace of mind and I am very happy today”.
Speaking also, the bride Mary Omonokhua eulogized her husband. “He is a caring man, hardworking and my heart desire, today is a special day for me”, she noted. At the event, the both families who were well represented expressed gladness at the success of the wedding event.
Different groups offered prayers for the couples, while gifts were also offered. Olanrewaju Oyedeji is an accountant while Mary Omonokhua is also an accountant. “This is a true celebration of love, you can feel it all round, the joy is in the atmosphere and everywhere is electric” an attendee at the wedding noted.
#MaryOla2025 showed that love can be from across tribes and still be beautiful to behold.
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Lady Gladys Afam:A Shining Star in the Diaspora Community
#MaryOla: A Unique Celebration of Love Beyond Borders
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 36
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
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