The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting the culture and tourism sector as a key driver of economic growth.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, made this statement during a press conference for the 2024 Yemoja Ibadan Festival, held at the Council for Arts and Culture, Cultural Centre in Mokola, Ibadan, the state capital.
Olatunbosun announced that the Yemoja Festival will begin on Thursday, October 10, 2024, with the grand finale scheduled for Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the Popoyemoja area in Ibadan.
He explained that the 17-day annual festival is designed to showcase, promote, develop, and preserve the traditional heritage of the people.
“The essence of the festival is to honour the Yemoja deity, which symbolises motherhood and fertility. It is also to pay her tribute for the protection and support she offers, which have shaped and preserved the Yoruba people and her devotees for many generations,” Olatunbosun said.
He stated that the festival will bring various communities together to express their gratitude and reverence for Yemoja as a result of her significant role in their lives as the deity of fertility, strength and generosity, attributes that define motherhood.
The commissioner disclosed that the festival will feature activities such as offerings to Yemoja and Sango, Orisa Aje and Orisa Ogun; various performances; visits to motherless babies’ homes in honour of Yemoja; and a festival tour to AfriChatta Film Village, among other things.
Earlier, in his address of welcome, the Aare Isese of Oyo State, Aare Omikunmi Egbelade, appreciated Governor Makinde for his support and steadfast commitment to traditional adherents and for promoting culture and tradition.
Egbelade lauded the governor for declaring every August 20 a work-free day in honour of Isese adherents in the state, stressing that the governor, by his words and deeds, is fostering unity among the diverse religious and cultural communities in the state.
He urged the state government to also support the Yemoja Festival to get UNESCO recognition as a World Heritage Festival.
The press briefing had in attendance, the Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser to the Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju; the General Manager, Council for Arts and Culture, Chief Mrs Adeyinka Adedeji; Chairman, Afijio Local Government Area, Honourable Olufemi Aikomo; Yemoja devotees and other members of the organising committee.
Oluchi Okwuego
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