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| Ojude Oba's king of steeze, Farooq Oreagba, named cultural ambassador |
The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has bestowed the title of Honorary Ambassador upon Mr. Farooq Oreagba in recognition of his exceptional performance at the 2024 Ojude Oba Festival.
During the well-attended Ojude Oba festival this year, Mr.
Oreagba stood out among the attendees with his captivating presence. Attired in
a vibrant green and yellow Asooke Agbada, he rode majestically on horseback,
capturing the attention of many and subsequently gaining recognition as the “King
of Steeze” due to a widely shared photograph.”
Obi Asika, the esteemed Director General of the National
Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), took to his official Instagram platform to
make a significant announcement. He proudly showcased the prestigious
Certificate of Recognition that was bestowed upon Oreagba, an individual of
notable achievements.
He wrote: “I could not be happier to announce him as an Hon
Ambassador for the National Council for arts and culture @ncac_nigeria and
celebrate him and his boundless energy and spirit.
“He is now the King of Steeze and brought global attention
to #OjudeOba the key traditional festival of Ijebu Ode celebrating the Awujale.
“For at least the last decade he has been getting on his
horse, dressed in magnificent asoke and representing his family and culture.
“We discussed what made this year different and why the
reaction, was it the photographer, was it the festival or was it just God’s
time, I believe it was just meant to be.
“My brother is a fighter, diagnosed with terminal cancer he
has been fighting it for a decade and never been anything but positive.
He has been an inspiration to his colleagues and now we are
sharing his expertise with the world. He represents all that is good about
Nigeria, please celebrate him, a true Nigerian original!
“I know he is braver than almost anyone I know from the way
he confronts his pain and has always repped naija since I have known him,
Congrats again and thanks for all you do.”
The successful hosting of the 2024 Ojude Oba Festival, which
showcased its customary splendor, elegance, and cultural significance.
This year, the festival pays tribute to Awujale, the
esteemed monarch of Ijebu-Ode, and commemorates the profound cultural heritage
of the Ijebu people, attracting prominent individuals from diverse regions.
Nonetheless, Oreagba, a native of Ogun State, distinguished
himself through his remarkable physical attributes and compelling personal
narrative. His distinctive fashion choices garnered significant attention and
became a focal point of the event.
During his grand entrance at the festival, he
unintentionally became the festival’s representative figure. He arrived on a
decorated horse, wearing a green and lemon agbada with a matching cap, making a
striking impression.
Oreagba exhibited sophistication and style, as he adorned
himself with red coral beads and a gold crossbody chain. His bold tattoos, a
tobacco pipe, an Apple wristwatch, and stylish sunglasses completed his
ensemble.
His Images and videos have since become popular on social
media, as he embodied exceptional sophistication and style in presenting
Nigerian culture to the global community.
The Nigerian Stock Exchange's former Head of Strategy and
Business Development, Oreagba, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and carcinoma, a
skin and bone marrow cancer, in 2014, according to NAN.
He had to step down from his position at NSE due to health
reasons. After a courageous two-year battle with a severe illness, he has
fortunately been declared cancer-free and is now in good health, allowing him
to resume his professional responsibilities.
Oreagba’s distinguished and captivating presence at the 2024
Ojude Oba festival exemplified optimism, fortitude, and the unwavering Nigerian
spirit.
He presently holds the position of Managing Director and
Chief Executive Officer at NG Clearing.