The Federal Government of Nigeria go pursue the inclusion of the annual Ojude Oba Festival for Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on the list of festivals wey dem go endorse by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Dis announcement com from the Minister of Culture, Art, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, through her representative, Dr. Ben Anama, Director of Cultural Agencies and Heritage, during the festival wey dem celebrate on Tuesday at Awujale’s pavilion for Ijebu-Ode.
Musa-Musawa emphasize say dis initiative align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda wey involve ministry, wey go elevate tourism revenue to over $100 billion by 2030. She highlight the festival potential to contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification through tourism.
The Ojude Oba Festival wey dem celebrate every third day of Eid-el-Adha, na one vibrant showcase of the rich cultural heritage and endowments of the people of Ijebuland. This year theme na “Ojude Oba: Unity and Harmony, Our Gift,” wey emphasize the festival role for bringing unity amidst Nigeria diversity. Over 100 age-grade groups wey dem call Regberegbes participate for dis event, wey pay homage to the traditional ruler, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona. The colorful attires and ceremonial displays, including acrobatic performances by horse riders from warrior families, add to the festival grandeur.
The minister describe the Ojude Oba Festival na one crucial platform for national unity and one significant tourism asset wey go fit boost economic diversification away from oil. Musa-Musawa promise to speed up the process wey go take make UNESCO recognize the festival.
Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, also attend the event and laud the Ojude Oba Festival for giving Ijebuland and Ogun State one distinct identity. He emphasize the importance of preserving cultural heritage as one driver for regional development.
The Federal Government commitment to make Ojude Oba Festival fit get international recognition na part of one broader strategy to leverage Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage for economic growth. By aligning with global cultural standards, the government go fit boost visibility and appeal of Nigerian festivals, making tourism and sustainable economic development for Nigeria to increase.
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