…Leaders hail honour as symbol of unity and pride for Ogbomosoland
It was a day of prayers, praise, and cultural celebration on Sunday, August 10, 2025, as the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Ogbomoso North Chapter, hosted an interreligious thanksgiving in honour of Segun Damilola Olaniyan, popularly known as Segun Bejo, following his recent recognition at the Presidential NYSC Honours Award in Abuja.
The colourful ceremony, held at Dosunmu Villa, Katangua, Ogbomoso, drew dignitaries, religious leaders, and community stakeholders across faiths, in what many described as a symbol of Ogbomoso’s unity and collective pride.
Notable attendees included the Araba Awo of Ogbomosoland, High Chief (Dr) Alao Opeyemi Ifamakinde; Prophet Morakinyo of Gilgal Prayer Ministry; and Alhaji Aminulahi, Chief Imam of Ansarudeen Central Mosque. Others were High Chief Mrs Oluwatosin Ajadi, the Iyalode of Ajaawa; Oloye Dele Ajifowobaje, the Abese of Masifa; Prophet Akintayo Olaogun of Gilgal Prayer Ministry; and Imam Alhaji Aminu of Ansarudeen Central Mosque.
In his remarks, Aare Ayanwoye Jekayinfa, Chairman of TAMPAN Ogbomoso North and Aare Asunyere of Yorubaland, described the award as a milestone achievement that reflects the hard work and resilience of not just Segun Bejo, but the entire Ogbomoso cultural and artistic community.
“We thank Almighty God for this honour. It is a victory for all of us, and we pray for more achievements for our members,” he said.
High Chief Dr Alao Opeyemi Ifamakinde reaffirmed the significance of the honour, stating that Segun’s recognition by the Presidency underscores Ogbomosoland’s contribution to national development.
Prophet Akintayo of Gilgal Prayer Ministry expressed gratitude for TAMPAN’s progress, while Chief Imam Aminulahi praised the event’s interfaith nature, noting it as an example of religious tolerance and communal love.
The celebration featured a lecture on the role of theatre practitioners in society, cultural displays, and goodwill messages from guests.
The event was rounded off with an official closing ceremony, leaving attendees inspired by the blend of faith, culture, and community spirit that defined the occasion.
President Tinubu had recently decorated Segun Bejo as one of 210 outstanding ex-corps members at the 2025 Presidential NYSC Honours Award and announced automatic employment, ₦250,000 cash award, and postgraduate scholarship for all recipients.
