Ekiti Kete Canada is a charitable organization dedicated to providing educational, medical, and social support to under-privileged people, particularly children and youths from low economic status parents.  The Canadian based not for profit organization proudly hosted the highly anticipated Cultural Food Festival Season 2. The event took place at the picturesque G-Ross Lord Park, located at 4801 Dufferin Street, North York, Canada. This festival was a celebration of Nigerian culture, showcasing the rich heritage, traditions, and mouthwatering cuisines of the Ekiti people.

The Cultural Food Festival Season 2 was a vibrant and lively gathering that brought together people of all backgrounds to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Ekiti culture. The park was transformed into a lively marketplace, adorned with colorful decorations and filled with the enticing aromas of traditional Ekiti dishes.

Attendees were treated to a gastronomic adventure as they indulged in a wide array of authentic Ekiti delicacies. From aromatic jollof rice and succulent grilled corn to flavorful egusi soup and tantalizing pestle and mortar pounded yam, there was something to satisfy every palate. The festival offered a unique opportunity for food lovers to immerse themselves in the vibrant flavors of Ekiti cuisine and experience the true essence of Nigerian culinary artistry.

The Cultural Food Festival Season 2 was not just about food; it was a celebration of Ekiti culture in all its forms. The event featured captivating traditional music and dance performances that showcased the richness and vibrancy of Ekiti traditions by her members who effortlessly brought the spirit of Ekiti to life in Canada.

Beyond the culinary delights and dances, the festival also provided a platform for networking, socializing, and community engagement. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with fellow Ekiti indigenes, as well as members of other communities, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness.

The success of the Cultural Food Festival Season 2 can be attributed to the hard work, dedication, and collaborative efforts of the Ekiti Kete Canada under the leadership presidency of Barrister Adeshina. Through their unwavering commitment to promoting and preserving Ekiti culture, they have created an event that continues to unite, inspire, and educate people from all walks of life.

The festival's impact extended beyond the day itself. It served as a catalyst for cultural exchange and understanding, allowing new members to gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of Nigerian culture. 

As the sun set on the Cultural Food Festival Season 2, hearts were filled with joy, bellies were satisfied, and memories were created that would last a lifetime. Ekiti Kete Canada, through this event, demonstrated the power of culture to bring people together, celebrate diversity, and create lasting connections.

Looking forward, Ekiti Kete Canada continues to forge ahead, striving to preserve their heritage, share their traditions, and create meaningful experiences for future generations. The representation of the Ekiti Canada at the recently held Yoruba Picnic was a testament to their unwavering commitment and passion, and it served as a shining example of the beauty and resilience of Nigerian culture.

Laughter is undeniably one of the best forms of therapy. It has the power to uplift spirits, relieve stress, and bring people together. In Toronto, on the 25th and 30th of June 2023, renowned event promoter Hunter (Qasim Oderinde) presents "Unprovoked Live in Toronto," a comedy show that promises to be an unforgettable experience. Featuring the star comedian Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basket Mouth, this event is a must-attend for comedy enthusiasts and those seeking an evening of laughter and entertainment.



Stellar Lineup:

"Unprovoked Live in Toronto" boasts a stellar lineup headlined by the comedic genius, Basket Mouth. With his charismatic stage presence, quick wit, and hilarious storytelling ability, Basket Mouth has become one of Africa's most celebrated comedians. His unique blend of observational humor, relatable anecdotes, and sharp comedic timing guarantees a night filled with uncontrollable laughter.

Unmatched Entertainment:

Event promoter Hunter (Qasim Oderinde) has a proven track record of organizing successful and entertaining shows. As a multi-award-winning event promoter, Hunter knows how to curate a lineup that caters to diverse tastes. The "Unprovoked Live in Toronto" comedy show promises to deliver non-stop laughter and leave the audience in stitches through a carefully crafted selection of talented comedians and entertaining performances.Beyond the laughter, attending "Unprovoked Live in Toronto" provides an opportunity to celebrate and embrace the oneness in our Nigerian talents. Basket Mouth's comedy often draws inspiration from his Nigerian roots, offering a unique perspective on everyday life, relationships, and cultural experiences. The show serves as a window into the rich tapestry of African humor, allowing attendees to connect with and appreciate diverse cultural perspectives.



Unforgettable Experience: Live comedy shows create an atmosphere unlike any other form of entertainment. The energy in the room, the shared laughter, and the spontaneous interactions between the comedian and the audience make for an unforgettable experience. Attending "Unprovoked Live in Toronto" gives you the chance to be a part of this immersive experience, leaving you with cherished memories and stories to share.

Community and Connection:

Comedy shows are not just about the laughter; they also create a sense of community and connection. Sharing laughter with a room full of people brings a unique sense of camaraderie. It provides an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, make new friends, and bond over shared humorous experiences. "Unprovoked Live in Toronto" offers a platform to connect with fellow comedy enthusiasts, creating lasting connections and memories especially for the summer.

"Unprovoked Live in Toronto" is not just a comedy show; it is an experience that promises laughter, entertainment, and cultural celebration. With a lineup featuring the brilliant Basket Mouth,Mc Morris, Patrick and Akeem as Host, attendees are in for a night filled with hilarity and unforgettable moments. Event promoter Hunter (Qasim Oderinde) has meticulously curated an evening that combines talent, entertainment, and a sense of community. If you are seeking an evening of laughter and an opportunity to connect with African humor and culture, mark your calendars for June 25th and 30th, 2023, and be a part of "Unprovoked Live in Toronto.

Preamble:

In the vast world of cinema, independent films have always held a special place. These movies often emerge as passion projects, driven by a dedicated team of individuals who pour their heart and soul into creating something remarkable. "ERE CANADA" is one such film that recently graced the screens of YouTube, produced by the selfless efforts of the TAMPAN Canada chapter members. However, the association's unfortunate loss of several members due to poor leadership has cast a shadow over this otherwise remarkable achievement.

The Birth of "ERE CANADA":

"ERE CANADA" is the brainchild of TAMPAN Canada, a branch of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN). The movie serves as a testament to the talent and resilience of the Nigerian diaspora in Canada, who came together to create a project that showcased their cultural heritage and storytelling prowess.

Selfless Production:

The production of "ERE CANADA" stands as a shining example of selflessness and dedication. The members of TAMPAN Canada volunteered their time, skills, and resources to bring this project to fruition. From writing the script to handling the technical aspects of filming and directing, everyone involved in the movie displayed an unwavering commitment to their craft.

The Storyline and Themes:

"ERE CANADA" weaves a captivating narrative that explores the challenges faced by Nigerian immigrants in Canada. The movie delves into themes of identity, cultural assimilation, and the longing for a sense of belonging. With its rich storytelling and heartfelt performances, the film struck a chord with audiences, both within and beyond the Nigerian community.

Unfortunately, despite the critical success and positive reception of "ERE CANADA," the TAMPAN Canada chapter faced a severe setback due to internal issues.

The Dark Cloud of Poor Leadership:

In any organization, strong leadership is crucial for growth, unity, and success. Sadly, the TAMPAN Canada chapter was plagued by poor leadership, which resulted in the loss of several members. Dissatisfaction with the leadership style of the association's president, whose decisions were deemed arbitrary and self-serving, led to a wave of resignations. 

Conclusion:

"ERE CANADA" is more than just a movie; it represents the resilience, creativity, and collective spirit of the Nigerian diaspora in Canada. Despite the unfortunate loss of members within the TAMPAN Canada chapter, the film itself remains a testament to the dedication and talent of those involved. Let us hope that this setback can serve as a catalyst for positive change within the association, ensuring that future endeavors receive the support and leadership they deserve.

All the best to TAMPAN Canada.

WATCH NOW

The whole social media is agog, the tweets are gaining momentum, well wishers are all adding their voices, the Nigerian Canadian circle are coming together as one for a common cause: supporting the cinema African epic movie gracing big screen this Black History month from the 10^th to 16^th February,2023 at the Cineplex Odeon,10 Dundas street East, Toronto.

Xphrame Media brings to you 6 outstanding reasons you must go and watch the movie in cinemas to unravel what the fuss is all about.

1- Its Plot Leaves You Thinking

Olola Aginju is the story of a king who wants his only female child, Adewumi, to ascend the throne, but the kingmakers betrayed his trust after his demise by declaring that only a male can ascend the throne. To fulfill her father’s wish, Adewumi decided to reassign her gender. The epic story shot in the milieu of the early western region pre colonial setting has other unmissable plot of treasonable consequences and power of the women.

2. It’s a celebration of the richness of culture to be found in Africa

Olola Aginju is a creative master piece brought to light by Tunde Olaoye, the epic film is a retinue and cultural reference of the lifestyle, dress sense, food, currency, means of transportation, household utensils et al in the post colonial era in the western Nigeria, culture, norms and values were well researched and documented in the epic story, no wonder it is a timely succor to celebrate the black history month in the cinema’s in Canada.

3. To avoid becoming a social pariah

OK, let’s flip this around and imagine what happens if you don’t watch Olola Aginju. You’ll get funny looks. You’ll be frozen out of conversations. You’ll have to stare blankly at the wall as your friends, family and colleagues debate the moral implications of harvesting cultural conversations about the film.

4. To experience 2022’s biggest Nigerian Epic movie in the format it was born for in Canada Cinema’s.

Above all, whatever you do, don’t miss the event movie of the year (2022) on the one platform that does it justice. CINEPLEX ODEON is the only way to truly experience every last drop of Deborah Ewedafe’’s labour-of-love Olola Aginju. And as the spectacle begins, you might find yourself echoing Go Debbie: “I see you…”

5.The Heart-Pounding Action Is There

The Movie has heart pounding action scenes with great VFX, needless to say it is an opportunity to watch Deborah Ewedafe in her best outing, her horse riding scene is a must watch.

6. A huge ground breaker for Nollywood industry in Canada

Either as a spectator, a practitioner, investor or potential investor, we must all rise and visit the cinema as this is a beginning of greater things for the industry. We must as a community all rally around the Executive producer, Nigerian Canadian Deborah Ewedafe Macaulay.

Watch interview with Deborah Ewedafe about the movie-Olola Aginju
VIDEO

Adewole Quadri believes success is “being happy at what you do every day.” For Him, that place is at his auto-retail-office business where he calls home.

The Nigerian Canadian is president of operations for Syllabus Autos and S and K Autos, a company that focuses on clearing and forwarding and car dealerships in Canada and other countries. In addition, he is Executive Director of Syllabus Ride, a new Canadian rideshare application on IOS and apple stores in 2023. The multi award winning young entrepreneur describes success from a different angle. “I feel that it is hard to be successful if you don’t work hard,” Adewole said.

Read on to find out how Syllabus Autos got involved in the auto industry, his thoughts on mentors and success, barriers facing African men and His reaction to the Leads awards trophy.

Q: How did you get started in the automotive retail industry?

A: I have always been a determined person and a problem solver, I ventured into auto retail because I have passion for automobiles and I understand I will excel in the field. Since then, I have never stopped growing the company.

Q: What is your definition of success? To what or who do you attribute to that success?

A: For me, success is to be happy at the place you go every day with a reason to wake up every day. I feel that it is hard to be successful if you don’t work hard.

As to “what I attribute my success to,” the big one is never limit yourself to your job duties. Always understand why the duties are there and how to do more to scale higher, even if you don’t get paid for the extra work. Never stop studying and never stop chasing perfection. It will never be perfect, but every time you try harder, you become better at what you do.

And for the “who,” I believe it is impossible to grow and be successful if you don’t have the right mentors. I was lucky enough to have the support of my mother who inspires and encourages me, My wife who also inspires and supports me. They taught me and guided me through a lot, both at work and as an individual. Without that initial and constant push, I’m not sure if I would be where I am today.

Q: As a Nigerian in an industry historically dominated by other countries, have you experienced any barriers? If so, how did you overcome those barriers?

A: Barriers are everywhere. I come from a country with different obstacles that are not based on ethnicity or skin color. But here in Canada, I understand through others why there is so much of it and with consistency we have grown to be appreciated.
As I said, you probably need to work harder if you are not white. But if you work hard enough, at some point, the excellence of your work and the way you create teams will shine brighter than your ethnicity or skin color. That doesn’t mean you don’t cross ignorant people on your way, but it will become irrelevant as you become better.

Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into the industry?

A: This is a beautiful industry. There’s a piece for every interest, you learn about five different businesses under the same rooftop. If you are successful in one area, you can take it as part of a learning process to move to a different one with all the knowledge you acquired. I believe there is a path for every person to have a successful career and a successful life in the car industry.

Q: You recently won the 2022 Leads award of the year for the most promising and outstanding business brand of the year, How do you feel about it.?

A: I am grateful to the organizers, this will be the 5th international award we have received in 2022, I dedicate the recognition to my Team and and my family for their support. We are poised to do better in the new year.

Q: What advice would you give to a 10-year-old Adewole Quadri?

A: Great question. First, start from that age to practice patience. He will need it in the future. Rome was not built in one day. I would also encourage him to learn more than two languages to make his life easy and to help him learn from different sources. The third would be to become financially educated early in life. The world moves on finances and if you can understand it as early as possible, it will help to build a successful business faster.

Happy new year and thanks for having me.