Akinwale Aboluwade
Tuesday, May 25, 2021 was an exciting day for students and management of the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute, University of Ibadan as they celebrate the Africa Day 2021 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
The event, which kick-started at the main gate of University of Ibadan with distribution of liquid soap and hand sanitizers by staff and students of PAULESI who were dressed in colourful adire tops engrafted with the map of Africa, featured fashion show, poetry rendition, traditional dance and musical performance from across Africa.
According to the Director of PAULESI, Prof. Esther Akinlabi, The Africa Day celebration, which is celebrated on 25th of May every year, is used to commemorate landmark achievements of the African Union on the strategic goals of Vision 2063 such as peace and security, continental integration, women and youth empowerment and eradication of diseases on the African continent.
In her address on the occasion, Akinlabi reiterated the need for Africans to work hard for the promotion of the values of the continent in line with the strategic goals 2063 of the AU.
Dwelling on the theme of the Africa Day 2021, ‘Arts, Culture and Heritage,’ she said, “It is no doubt that Africa has a very rich culture in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic which has ravaged the whole world. Many across the African continent have shared how they have used cultural foods, medicinal plants and herbs to combat COVID-19 which has now killed over three million people across the globe. Africa has not been left behind although it remains a misery why the figures are low comparatively.
“My thoughts are with families that have lost their loved ones and friends in the pandemic. Together, let us continue to unite as we fight this common enemy. Let us continue to do our best by adhering to the COVID-19 protocols of wearing masks, social/physical distancing and washing of hands. It is for this reason that PAULESI distributed liquid soap and hand sanitizers to the public as one of our social responsibilities to our communities.
“At PAULESI, the Africa Day means means so much to us because we represent and practice Pan Africanism with representions from all the member states of Africa. In the light of this, I urge you all to be a good ambassador of your state and to continue to live in harmony with one another, practice Ubuntu and draw strength from our diversity.
The occasion was described by the students of PAULESI, UI as a showcase of the beauty of the Africa culture and fashion.
Dr Gbadebo Olukole treated the audience at the Vet Medicine Lecture Theatre, UI venue of the Africa Day 2021 celebration to the compelling sound of ‘gangan,’ the Yoruba talking drum and the ‘bata’ drumbeat.
A drama which was presented at the event titled, ‘The Africa we want,’ takes the audience through the story of struggle and self discovery for Africa. It emphasizes the importance of courage and resilience as tools for unity, development and strength.
Participants at the occasion were also excited about the colourful display during the fashion parade which drew wild applause from the audience.
Among those who were present on the occasion are Prof. Mubo Sonibare, Dr O. Bamisaye, Dr MA Oladunjoye, Mr Lekan Okewale, Dr Michael Oladunjoye and Carine Mbassana.
