Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) waves to the people of Ile-Ife as his carriage makes its way through the ancient town during the 2026 Olojo Festival celebrations in October. Steeped in history, spirituality and tradition, the annual festival is one of the most important events in the Yoruba cultural calendar/Photo: Media Office, Ooni’s Palace

Germany: Yoruba Community to Honour Excellence, Celebrate Cultural Heritage in Frankfurt

The Yoruba community in Germany will gather in Frankfurt am Main on Saturday, 28 November 2026, for the Omoluwabi Award of Excellence and Fundraising Night, an annual celebration of Yoruba cultural heritage, values and outstanding achievements.

Organised by Ẹgbẹ́ Ìṣọ̀kan Ọmọ Yorùbá Germany (EIOYG), the umbrella organisation of Yoruba associations in Germany, the event will will bring together traditional leaders, ambassadors and diplomats, entrepreneurs, community figures and members of the African diaspora from Germany and beyond.

The Omoluwabi Award is EIOYG’s flagship cultural and recognition event. It honours individuals whose contributions to society reflect the values traditionally associated with the Yoruba concept of Omoluwabi, which are integrity, respect, diligence, wisdom, courage and service to humanity.

Beyond recognising individual achievements, the gathering aims to strengthen connections within the Yoruba diaspora, promote cultural identity and support community development initiatives. According to the organisers, proceeds from the fundraising activities will support youth education initiatives in Nigeria and youth integration programmes in Germany.

Distinguished personalities to receive awards

The 2026 edition will recognise several prominent personalities in different fields of public life.

Among the award recipients is the immediate past Nigerian vice president, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, who will receive the Political Award. Other recipients include HRM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, who will receive the Culture and Heritage Award; Chief (Dr) Mrs Modupeola Adeleke-Sanni, will be honoured with the Entrepreneurship Award; Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, who will receive the Amulutoro Award; and Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, who will receive the Global Impact Award.

The event will also welcome a number of distinguished guests, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, HE Senator Ita Solomon James Enang, chairperson; former Consul-General Dr Yakubu Adamu Dadu, honorary host; and Frankfurt’s Lord Mayor Mike Josef, special guest of honour.

Other expected guests of honour include HE Dr (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, Nigerian ambassador to Austria; HE Alhaji Wahab Adekola Akande, Nigerian ambassador to Switzerland; Dr (Mrs) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM); and German dignitaries Manfred Ockel and Timon Gremmels.

Culture, entertainment and fundraising

The awards ceremony will be accompanied by a programme of Yoruba cultural performances and entertainment. The line-up includes an Ẹ̀yọ̀ display, a performance by Chief Ayàntúndé Oyìnbó Onílù, known as the Agbasaga of Yorùbá land, and music by DJ Stone. The EIOYG Cultural Team will also present a performance.

The event will additionally feature fundraising activities through the pre-order of the Yoruba 2027 Festival Calendar and Omoluwabi Award Night T-shirts. The organisers are inviting individuals and businesses to support the initiative through donations, sponsorships and partnerships.

The fundraising element gives the celebration a wider community-development purpose, linking the recognition of cultural achievement with practical support for young people in Nigeria and Germany.

EIOYG says the event is intended not only to celebrate successful individuals but also to encourage younger generations to uphold the values of responsibility, integrity, respect and service that underpin the Omoluwabi ideal.

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Event information

Omoluwabi Award of Excellence and Fundraising Night 2026

  • Date: Saturday, 28 November 2026
  • Venue: SAALBAU Stadthalle Bergen, Schelmenburgplatz 2, 60388 Frankfurt am Main
  • Guest reception: 5.30 pm
  • Official programme: 7 pm–9 pm
  • Dinner and celebration: From 9 pm
  • Congress meeting: 10 am, as advertised on the event poster
  • Organiser: Ẹgbẹ́ Ìṣọ̀kan Ọmọ Yorùbá Germany (EIOYG)
  • Host association: Ẹgbẹ́ Ọmọ Yorùbá Frankfurt, Rhein & Main e.V.

Further information is available from the organisers at omoluwabi.award@isokanyoruba.com, by telephone on +49 1521 5998844, or through their website: https://isokanyoruba.com.

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