All roads lead to Pretoria this Saturday as the Yoruba community in South Africa gathers in grand style to celebrate their rich cultural heritage at the 7th Annual Heritage Day organized by the Association of Yorubas in Diaspora South Africa (AYIDSA).
The event, themed “Reviving the Trailblazing Mojo and the Indomitable Spirit for Development in Nigeria,” will be graced by eminent personalities including the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Owoade, who will serve as the Royal Father of the Day, and the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, who will chair the occasion.
Also expected at the event is Ambassador (Dr.) Babatunde Adeyemo, Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, a foremost real estate development and investment firm, who will serve as Special Guest of Honour and deliver a keynote address on the theme.
According to AYIDSA President, Dr. Olusola Agbeniyi, the association—comprising Nigerian professionals of Yoruba descent residing in South Africa—uses the annual Heritage Day to promote unity, cultural preservation, and national development among Nigerians in the diaspora.
This year’s celebration will also feature Dr. Jane Mufamadi from South Africa’s Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, who will deliver a special lecture titled “Unity through Culture: Advancing Communities, Driving Development.”
Speaking before his departure for South Africa, Dr. Adeyemo expressed his excitement about the event, describing it as an opportunity to connect with the Yoruba diaspora and strengthen cultural, economic, and business ties between Nigeria and South Africa.
“The event will not only celebrate our heritage but also provide a platform to discuss investment opportunities, especially in Nigeria’s real estate sector,” he said.
Dr. Adeyemo, an anti-corruption ambassador, noted that he intends to guide Nigerians in South Africa who have shown interest in Pelican Valley’s trusted and transparent real estate offerings. He emphasized the importance of encouraging purposeful diaspora remittances through foreign investments in housing and infrastructure to boost Nigeria’s economy, reduce unemployment, and bridge the housing deficit.
Highlighting Pelican Valley’s flagship projects—Ecostay Apartments and Pelican Brief Estate, both located in Kobape, Ogun State—Adeyemo described them as models of eco-friendly, tech-driven smart homes designed with sustainability and comfort in mind.
“Our Ecostay Apartments are more than just homes—they represent a lifestyle of peace, luxury, and environmental consciousness,” he said.
“With full government-approved layouts, top security, solar-powered lighting, recreational facilities, and proximity to major landmarks, our estates offer unmatched value and serenity.”
He further revealed plans to expand Pelican Brief Estate by an additional 600 plots, noting that the company will soon shift focus from land sales to building and selling completed apartments.
“We’ve operated for over a decade with integrity and zero dispute records. Our repayment plan carries zero percent interest, with no hidden charges,” he assured.
The Yoruba Heritage Day in Pretoria promises to blend cultural splendour with economic dialogue, showcasing the best of Yoruba tradition while fostering business collaborations between Nigeria and South Africa.