Queen Lillian Adebayo, wife of Barrister Adewole Adebayo, President of KAFTAN TV, was named “Yoruba Woman of the Year” by the Yoruba Heritage Group.
The Award was presented to her on Thursday, 30th of September, 2021, at the Adegbemile Cultural Centre Hall in Akure.
Mrs Mercy Ebuka and Mrs Dara Cyril, two of the women who have been key players in the implementation of the Queen Lillian Adebayo Foundation’s initiative in Ondo State, represented the awardee.
While presenting the award, the convener, Mr Segun Adesemoye said the Award Committee sat and examined the philanthropic achievement, and commitment of Queen Lillian to the promotion of Yoruba culture, for the award.
Queen Lillian Adebayo, a Delta State native, founded the Queen Lillian Adebayo Foundation (QLAF). She has successfully supported many disadvantaged students in primary, secondary, and tertiary schools across the country and beyond through this Foundation.
QLAF is also addressing the country’s diversity gaps, youth empowerment, and the empowerment of underprivileged women.
While declaring the event open at the Adegbemile Cultural Centre Hall, the governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, who spoke in Yoruba as a way of promoting culture, said that there is a need for everyone to work together to ensure that Yoruba heritage is preserved.
Mrs Bolanle Akinyanmi, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, who was represented at the event by the Ministry’s Director of Finance, Mrs Filani, urged that every effort be made to ensure that Yoruba inheritance does not become extinct.
Speaking at the same event, the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, expressed gratitude to the program’s creators for their efforts in promoting, showcasing, and celebrating Ondo State’s and the Yoruba race’s rich cultural heritage.
Rotimi Akeredolu, Rauf Aregbesola, Hon Joseph Akinlaja, Chief Yemi Elebuibon, were among those honoured at the event.
