- By Halimah Olamide
The minister described the annual festival as a platform that fostered the unity of the country in diversity, as well as one of the country’s tourism potentials that could be tapped into to diversify the economy from oil.
It was another day of radiance and colour Ijebu Ode, Ogun state on Tuesday as sons and daughters gathered to celebrate the 2024 edition of the annual Ojude Oba festival.
The festival, usually marked 3rd day after Eid-il-Adha, the Muslim festival, was held amidst colourful display of rich Yoruba fabrics by men and women of varying age grades and groups.
A highpoint of this year’s celebration was the Federal Government’s indication that it is seeking the recognition of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO for the annual festival.
Minister of Tourism, Hannat Musa-Musawa, dropped the hint at the event on Tuesday.
She said said the Federal Government would activate plans to list the annual festival as one of those to draw support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
She was represented at the event by Director of Cultural Agencies and Heritage, Dr Ben Anama.
The minister described the annual festival as a platform that fostered the unity of the country in diversity, as well as one of the country’s tourism potentials that could be tapped into to diversify the economy from oil.
“In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministry will always collaborate with stakeholders to promote, preserve and protect the rich cultural heritage of our nation to ensure it reaches its enviable height, according to our vision for the ministry called ‘Destination 2030.’
“This vision considers the potential in arts, culture and creative economy in terms of its ability to create economic expansion. Our ambitious goal is predicated on this drive, which is capable of yielding over $100bn, an increase in the gross domestic product by the year 2030,” she said.
Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun described the festival as one that had given Ijebuland and, indeed, the people of Ogun State a distinct identity.
Abiodun said the festival had become a catalyst for the development of Ijebuland and underscored the essence of preserving the rich cultural heritage
While rejoicing with Oba Adetona and the sons and daughters of Ijebuland, the governor promised to partner with the Federal Government to develop the festival and make it a global tourist attraction and destination.
According to the governor, the festival, which has become a tourist attraction, symbolizes and reflects the collective unity of the people known for hard work, perseverance, and industry.
He said: “Ojude Oba festival is not only a cultural heritage for the indigenes of Ijebuland but has now become a significant event that attracts local and foreign tourists to Ogun State, showcasing our hospitality and enviable tradition of Ijebuland to the national and global audience.
“This festival serves as a symbol of our unity, tourism and a rallying point to all the Ijebu sons and daughters to celebrate the life and times of our tradition, culture, and revered monarch.
“It has become a catalyst for development of Ijebuland, and this undoubtedly underscores the importance of preserving our traditions for future generations.
“By standing for unity and harmony, we elevate our community and set an example for others to follow. The essence of unity and harmony in Ijebuland can be seen willingly in cultural events like this festival.
“Our administration is deeply committed to supporting the initiative to make it a permanent event in the global tourism industry,” he said.
The event, Prince Abiodun observed, creates opportunities for an advancement which has brought about the socio-economic development not only to the axis but the state as a whole.
While thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing interest in expanding the festival, especially with plans to include it in the UNESCO’s world cultural heritage, the Governor said his administration was committed to providing the conducive environment for business to thrive.
He said the festival provides an opportunity for the Ijebu people to take stock and project the future. He called for unity and harmony from people across the state, adding that it was time to work together to build a virile state.
“The state government will continue to create a conducive atmosphere for community development across the state and I solicit the support of the people, especially all the sons and daughters towards the 20th National Sports Festival, Gateway Games, 2024, part of which will be hosted right here in Ijebu-Ode,” the governor concluded.