The 6th Annual Thanksgiving World Gyration, NJ 2024, was a celebration of African culture, unity, and diversity. One of the highlights of the event was the “Ìwúre Òwúrọ̀” segment, which translates to “early morning blessings/prayers” in the Yoruba language. This traditional Nigerian prayer and blessing ceremony was coordinated by Methuselah World Chief, Chief Kenneth Sorimade (Gboziah De Jew).
The ceremony began at the crack of dawn, with participants gathered in a solemn and reverent atmosphere. Chief Gboziah led the ceremony, invoking the blessings of the ancestors and the divine. The US Archaivarians used various traditional Nigerian elements, including water, kolanut, bitter-kola, salt, honey, and alligator pepper, each with its unique significance and symbolism.
Chief Gboziah called on some members to participate in the ceremony, with one person using the items to make prayers and blessings on behalf of the participants. The person prayed for peace, unity, prosperity, and good health, among other things. Chief Gboziah then rounded up the ceremony with his own prayers and blessings, invoking the divine to grant the participants their heart’s desires.
To maintain the solemnity and reverence of the ceremony, the organizers introduced a fun activity called “no poke-talking.” This meant that participants were not allowed to talk while someone was praying or speaking, and had to raise their hands to be acknowledged before contributing to the discussion. Defaulters were playfully penalized, adding a lighthearted touch to the ceremony.
Despite the early morning hour, the participants were fully engaged and enthusiastic throughout the ceremony. The “Ìwúre Òwúrọ̀” segment was a truly unforgettable experience, one that left a lasting impression on all who participated.
As the ceremony came to a close, the participants felt refreshed, renewed, and rejuvenated, ready to take on the challenges of the day with faith, hope, and courage. The “Ìwúre Òwúrọ̀” segment was a testament to the power of traditional Nigerian culture and spirituality, and a reminder of the importance of connecting with our ancestors and the divine.
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