Fashola's wife, artistes, others celebrate Mama Awero

According to the Sun, it was an event put in place to celebrate the life and achievements of notable actress and one of the most respected players in the Yoruba movie industry – Alhaja Olarenwaju Hassan Adesina, the woman popularly known as Iya Awero by her numerous fans across the globe.

But the event later turned out to be one of the biggest parties in town, pulling a large crowd from the theatre and political landscapes. Prominent artistes, including politicians from Lagos and Ogun States, gathered at the expansive auditorium of The Blue Roof, situated inside the premises of Lagos Television, to honour the respected actress in a unique manner.

The event commenced on Sunday, June 2. Dignitaries that added glamour to the event included the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, her counterpart from Ogun State, Mrs.Olufunsho Amosun, Senator Ganiu Olanrewaju Solomon, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Commissioners for Arts and Culture from Lagos and Ogun States, former deputy governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Sarah Adebisi Sosan, Mr. Muiz Banire and many others were there to honour the artste.


Fashola's Wife

Juju music maestro, King Sunny Ade, and Fuji megastar, Alhaji Kollington Ayinla were also in attendance. There were top actors and actresses at the event to celebrate with the woman. Prominent actors like Adebayo Salami, Jide Kosoko, Alhaji Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande), Laja Ogunde, Afeez Oyetoro, Yinka Quadri, Babatunde Omidina (Baba Suwe), Ade Aderenle, Remmy Shitta-Bay, Yemi Sholade, Madam Idowu Philips, (Mama Rainbow), Fausat Balogun, Dupe Jaiyesimi, Folake Aremu (Orisabunmi), Foluke Daramola-Salako, Keji Yusuf, Toyin Afolayan, Toyin Adegbola, Toyin Adewale, Nike Peller, and many others paid glowing accolades to Mama Awero who they all described as a leading light in the theatre industry.

Popular On-Air Personalities – Bashiru Adisa (Baba Gboin), Yomi Mate and Feyikemi Olayinka – anchored the programme. Speaking on the reason for the gathering, Chief Mrs. Abimbola Fashola said Mama Awero's contribution to the theatre industry, particularly the Yoruba film and theatre industry was legendary, adding that there was every reason for the people to appreciate her.

Her words: "We are all present here today to honour our mama who had been a pillar of hope to the hopeless. She's an epitome of humility and that has been the driving force of her career that has spanned five decades." Mrs. Fashola urged others in the industry to emulate all the great virtues of Mama Awero who, she noted, has made a mark for not only herself but for her children also.

Also speaking, Adebayo Salami, who led the Awada Kerikeri group in the 80s, told the guests that Mama Awero's legacies in the theatre industry remained intact, asserting that none of her peers could stand her tremendous achievements. In her response, Mama Awero expressed her appreciation to the guests for honouring her with her presence.

She was full of joy as she stepped up to the podium to cut the anniversary cake alongside Mrs. Fashola, Mrs. Amosun and others who wished her continued success in her career. All other activities scheduled for the anniversary went as planned. But the event became more interesting when Fuji artiste, Saheed Osupa treated the numerous guests to some good music. Everybody joined Mama Awero on stage to dance to the music, even as there was enough to eat and drink.