The Federal Government announced on Tuesday its intention to list the annual ‘Ojude Oba’ festival among the festivals supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
This revelation was made by Minister of Culture, Art, and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa-Musawa, during the annual Ojude Oba festival held at Awujale’s pavilion in Ijebu-Ode.
Minister Musa-Musawa highlighted that the annual festival aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the Ministry, which aims to elevate revenue generation from tourism to over $100 billion by 2030.
The Ojude Oba festival, celebrated every third day of Eid-el-Adha, showcases the rich cultural heritage and endowments of the people of Ijebuland.
This year’s festival theme, ‘Ojude Oba: Unity and Harmony, Our Gift,’ emphasizes the festival’s role in fostering national unity and tapping into Nigeria’s tourism potential to diversify the economy from oil dependency.
“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,” Musa-Musawa stated.
She added that the Ministry’s ambitious goals include generating over $100 billion in economic expansion by 2030 through arts, culture, and the creative economy.
The Minister also noted that the festival has not yet received UNESCO approval but deserves recognition due to its significant impact on the tourism sector.
She vowed to initiate all necessary processes to achieve this recognition without delay.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun praised Ojude Oba for giving Ijebuland and Ogun State a distinct identity, highlighting its role as a catalyst for development. He pledged to collaborate with the Federal Government to enhance the festival and establish it as a global tourist destination.
“Ojude Oba has become a catalyst for the development of Ijebuland, underscoring the essence of preserving our rich cultural heritage,” Governor Abiodun said.
He emphasized the importance of unity and harmony, calling for collective efforts to overcome the country’s challenges.
The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, hosted the vibrant event, receiving over 100 age grade groups (Regberegbes) adorned in colorful attires, who paid homage to the traditional ruler.
Horse riders from warrior families in Ijebuland added to the spectacle with acrobatic displays.
Notable dignitaries at the event included former Governors of Ogun State Chief Olusegun Osoba and Senator Gbenga Daniel, Deputy Governor Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Senator Shuib Salis, Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly Daisi Elemide, Mrs. Abosede Adelami (wife of Ondo State Deputy Governor), Mrs. Bola Obasanjo (wife of former President of Nigeria), and Dr. Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein, the Accountant General of the Federation, among others.
