By Gbenga Sodeinde
There was encomium at the 15th African Brazil’s 2021 Award night in Saopaulo, Brazil when a prominent Brazil based Nigerian Artist, writer, Journalist, an Icon in the Yoruba arts, culture and tradition, Adeyinka Olaiya was honoured.
Adeyinka became the very first Nígerian to receive the award in the history and category of Arts and Journalism since it was created 15 years ago.
Also prominent among dignitaries honoured at the even held at main bowl of the state’s Arts Theatre “Teatro Flávio Império “ in May 28, 2021 was João Doria, the Saopaulo state Governor.
The event which started on the 25th of May, 2021, at the Governor’s Palace in Saopaulo was extended to the main bowl of the state’s Arts Theatre “Teatro Flávio Império “ where other dignitaries were awarded with distinct merits in their respective categories of work .
The ceremony was declared open by Prof. Munanga Kapengele of the University of Saopaulo. It counted with the presence of the Honorable Governor of Saopaulo, João Doria, Mrs Rosangela de Paula and Hon. Gil Clarindo, the executives of the National coordination for Afro and indigenous People of Brazil, the President of the African Cultura Center, Kabiyesi Adekunle Aderounmu and the Honorable Nígerian Ambassador to Brazil, Ambassador Isiaka Abdul Quadir Imam.
Also present at the event, André Fabinho César of Banda Raça Negra, the representative of Corinthians football Club, André Negão , Alexandre Magno, the President, União das Escolas de Samba Paulistana, Marcos Marques , Henrique França .
Ogan Paulinho de Ogum, the event presenter , Andrea Oliveira and the spiritual leader of the African traditional religion in the East zone of Saopaulo, Pai Adriano Neres de Educafro.
Other dignitaries honored at the Africa-Brazil 2021 Award night includes the Governor of Saopaulo, Joao Doria , the Honorable Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil , Ambassador Isiaka Abdul Qadir Imam , Nigerian Artist, writer, Journalist, Adeyinka Olaiya, Brazilian Historian Adriana Lopes Pereira, Nigerian Fuji megastar , Tunde Yahaya Oni, Rosangela Mello, Regina Cavenaghi , Black activist , Geraldo Rufino da Jr.Diesel, Luiza Trajano of the Magazine Luiza, Engineer Ivan Lima.
Brazil’s 2021 Africa-Brazil Award night did not only honor João Doria , the Saopaulo state Governor, it also awarded Adeyinka Olaiya, the Brazil based Nigerian Artist, writer and journalist.
Speaking in an interview with the Heritagenewsng, Adeyinka Olaiya dedicated the award to his daughters Demilade and Mojirade Olaiya, he observed a minute silence in respect of his late mother and teacher, Madam Christianah Aduke Olaiya and his late childhood friend, Razaq Babatunde Odejay. He attributed his success in the Americas to hard work and dedication .
The Brazilian historian, Adriana Lopez Pereira thanked the organizers, she pledged to continue in her struggles .
The president of African Cultural Center, Kabiyesi Adekunle Aderounmu congratulated all that benefitted from this historic event, he urged them to continue firm in their respective activities. The event ended with dance, drama, music and several activities in Yoruba, English and Portuguese languages.