Lagos State Union UK names broadscaster Moji Bishi as Iya Eyo for Canuk gala dinner

LAGOS State Union UK has named prominent Lagosian socialite and former broadcaster Moji Bishi as the Iya Eyo for the forthcoming masquerade performance taking place at the Central association of Nigerians in the UK (Canuk) gala dinner coming up on December 14.

Every year, Canuk, the umbrella body of Nigerian organisations in the UK organises a  December gala dinner. At the event, which is always attended by the high commissioner or one of his deputies  the community gets together to let its hair down with about 500 people treated to a mixture of a rich display of culture and modern music.

This year's dinner is taking place at Mayfair Banqueting Suite in Chadwell Heath and will feature cultural displays from three parts of Nigeria with the Mutual Union of Tivs in the UK performing a Swange dance, the Anambra Women's Association performing an Atilogwu dance and the Lagos State Union providing an Eyo masquerade. To lead out the Eyo masquerades, the Lagos State Union as named Ms Bishi as the Iya Eyo.

Toyin Ibrahim-Igbo, the president of the Lagos State Union UK, said: "Eyo is a unique part of our culture and it has its distinct peculiarities. One of these is that it is an all-male affairs but there is always one lady appointed to head it, who is given the title of Iya Eyo and we have decided to uphold that tradition.

"From a popular family in Lagos Island, Moji Bishi is a well-known Lagosian socialite in the UK having worked as a model and broadcaster in Nigeria before leaving. She is well versed in our culture and we are confident that she will lead the Eyo masquerades in line with the dictates of our culture and in a manner that will be thoroughly entertaining."

Toyin Solaru Balogun, Canuk's social secretary, added: "Last year, we had three cultural troupes perform and they succeeded in getting everyone off their feet. Our guests told us that they were particularly impressed with the way Canuk managed to get groups from different parts of Nigeria to entertain them on the night, so we have gone for that again this year.

"Our cultural entertainment will be backed up with music from DJ Seyi Chicago. Our aim is to make it a night of immense pleasure whereby everyone is entertained and nobody leaves the venue not contented."

Victor Aleva, Canuk's financial secretary, urged everyone who wants to purchase tickets, which are only £50 to attend the gala dinner to do so by paying directly into the Canuk bank account. He added that they should do this pay making payments into the association's Lloyds Bank account with the sort code of 301553 and account number 00224400.

Rose Graham, Canuk's publicity secretary, added that the night will offer something for everyone as the hall is booked until 1am. She pointed out that among other things, Canuk member organisations who have served the community over the year will be honoured with awards on the night.

Ms Graham pointed out that there will also be a little serious side to the event too as the president of the Medical Association of Nigerians Across great Britain will also give a two minute pep talk on staying healthy. In addition, new members like the Nigerian Student Society Presidents Forum will be presented with welcome certificates at the event.