Oyo State Seeks UNESCO’s Recognition of Sango Traditional Festival
The Oyo State Government has renewed its call for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to recognise the World Sango Festival, held annually in ancient Oyo Town.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, stated that UNESCO’s recognition of the Sango Traditional Festival would complement the Oyo government’s existing drive to promote its culture-tourism potential.
While reiterating the government’s commitment to enlisting the World Sango Festival amongst other world festivals recognised by UNESCO, Olatubosun disclosed that while Oyo Town showcases the annual Sango Festival by its devotees, there are other cultural festivals that showcase the rich culture of the state.
He said the government would ensure participation in the World Festival of Sango, coming up in South Africa later in the year, as it would give global credibility to the Sango Festival in Oyo Town.
The Bashorun of Oyo Land and the Head of Oyomesi, High Chief Akinade Yusuf Ayoola, appreciated the state government’s efforts at making the World Sango Festival a world class celebration.
In another development, the Aare Olusese of Ibadanland, Aare Olubunmi Omikemi Egbelade, has commended Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for fulfilling the promise he made to traditional religious worshippers during his electioneering campaign to grant their request for special recognition of Isese Day celebration in the state.
Egbelade, who spoke during the celebration of the Isese Festival at the ancient Mapo hall, Ibadan, pledged the support of the traditional worshippers for a peaceful Oyo State as they celebrate their faith, saying the adherents were grateful to the state government for breaking the record among other Southwest states to approve the Isese Day.
Also, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Interfaith Matters, Revd. Olufemi Ibikunle, urged the Isese worshippers to pray for sustainable peace in the state.
Ibikunle said prayers were crucial for the leadership of the state to conceive initiatives that would ensure long-lasting solutions to insecurity in the state.
