The Minister of Culture, Art, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, announced on Tuesday that the Federal Government intends to seek United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) approval and support for the annual Ojude Oba Festival.
Represented by the Director of Cultural Agencies and Heritage, Dr. Ben Anama, at the 2024 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival held at the Awujale’s Pavilion in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Musa-Musawa emphasized that this initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of boosting revenue from tourism to over $100 billion by 2030.
The Ojude Oba Festival, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of Ijebuland, is celebrated on the third day of Eid-el-Kabir. This year’s theme was “Ojude Oba: Unity and Harmony, Our Gift.”
The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, hosted the vibrant event, where over 100 age-grade groups (Regberegbes) dressed in splendid attire paid homage to him. The event also featured displays by horse riders from Ijebuland’s warrior families, adding to the festival’s allure.
Dignitaries in attendance included Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, Deputy Governor Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, former governors Chief Olusegun Osoba and Senator Gbenga Daniel, among others.
Musa-Musawa described the Ojude Oba Festival as a crucial platform for fostering national unity and a significant tourism potential for diversifying Nigeria’s economy away from oil dependence.
“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 the creative economy in terms of its ability to create economic expansion. Our ambitious goal is predicated on this drive, which is capable of yielding over $100 billion, an increase in the gross domestic product by the year 2030,” she said.
Governor Abiodun praised the Ojude Oba Festival for giving Ijebuland and Ogun State a unique identity and acting as a development catalyst. He promised to collaborate with the Federal Government to elevate the festival to a global tourist attraction and destination.
“The theme of the celebration is apt, as unity and harmony remain the bedrock of any thriving society,” Abiodun noted, calling for national unity to overcome current challenges.
Other notable attendees included Senator Shuib Salis of Ogun Central, State House of Assembly Speaker Daisi Elemide, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo (wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo), Mrs. Abosede Adelami (wife of the Ondo State Deputy Governor), and Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein (Accountant General of the Federation), among others.
