Nigeria is set to activate plans to list the annual Ojude Oba Festival as one of the festivals backed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO.
The global festival which showcases the rich cultural heritage and endowments of the people of Ijebuland in Ogun state, South West Nigeria is celebrated every third day of Eid-el-Adha celebrations. The festival, which has different peer groups adorned in colourful attires to pay homage to the King has become a tourist attraction, symbolising and reflecting the collective unity of the people known for hard work, perseverance, and industry.
The Minister of Culture, Art and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa- Musawa said that the annual festival is in tune with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda mandate for the ministry which seeks to take revenue generation from tourism to over $100bn by 2030. The Minister who was represented by the Director of Cultural Agencies and Heritage, Dr Ben Ugo Anama disclosed this while speaking at the festival.
The Minister described the annual festival as a platform that fosters the unity of the country in diversity as well as one of the country’s tourism potentials that can be tapped into to diversify the economy from oil and generate more resources for Nigeria. She said “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 goals are predicated on this drive which is capable of yielding over $100bn, an increase in the gross domestic product by the year 2030”.
“The presidential renewed hope agenda especially for the ministry demonstrated unwavering commitment to diversify the economy and move away from the country’s over-dependence on oil revenue.
While rejoicing with the sons and daughters of Ijebuland over the success of the festival and the good image it has given the country over the years, Musa-Musawa said that she had also observed that the festival has not gotten no elements of UNESCO approval as one of its approved festivals.
The Minister said that the status of a festival like Ojude-Oba with its profound impacts on the tourism sector of the country deserves to be listed by the international body vowing to activate all the processes to get this done without further delay.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun said that the annual event has grown from a mere gathering of Ijebu people to felicitate with the King to an event that attracts both national and global audiences. According to the governor, “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 the 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.
Governor Abiodun thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing interest in expanding the festival, especially with plans to include it in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage, noting that his administration was committed to providing a conducive environment for businesses 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 Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona who is the chief host of this colourful event was on seat to receive over 100 age grades group of males and females known as the “Regbe-regbe” dressed in colourful attires, who came around to pay annual homage to the traditional ruler. The horse riders who are from the warrior families in Ijebuland were also on hand to thrill the fun seekers with various acrobatic displays with their horses.
