The Minister of Culture, Art, and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa-Musuwa, announced on Tuesday that the Federal Government is considering plans to have the annual Ojude Oba Festival of the Ijebu people in Ogun State recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Represented by the Director of Cultural Agencies and Heritage, Dr. Ben Ugo Anama, at the 2024 festival held at Awujale’s pavilion in Ijebu-Ode, Musa-Musuwa highlighted the alignment of the festival with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This agenda aims to boost revenue from tourism to over $100 billion by 2030.
The global festival, celebrated on the third day of Eid-el-Adha, showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Ijebu people. The theme for this year’s celebration, “Ojude Oba: Unity and Harmony, Our Gift,” reflects the event’s purpose of paying homage to the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona. Over 100 age-grade groups, dressed in glamorous attire, greeted the ruler, who bestowed his royal blessings upon them.
Horse riders from the warrior families in Ijebuland also entertained the crowd with acrobatic displays. The Minister described the festival as a platform to foster national unity and as a significant tourism asset that can help diversify Nigeria’s economy away from oil dependency.
“In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministry will collaborate with stakeholders to promote, preserve, and protect our nation’s rich cultural heritage. Our vision, Destination 2030, considers the potential in arts, culture, and the creative economy to drive economic expansion, aiming to yield over $100 billion and increase the GDP by 2030,” Musa-Musuwa stated.
She emphasized the government’s commitment to gaining UNESCO recognition for the Ojude Oba Festival, noting its profound impact on the tourism sector and vowing to expedite the process.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, lauded the Ojude Oba Festival, describing it as a distinctive cultural identity for Ijebuland and Ogun State. He highlighted the festival’s role in the development of Ijebuland and pledged to partner with the Federal Government to elevate the festival as a global tourist attraction.
“The theme of this year’s celebration, emphasizing unity and harmony, is apt, as these values are essential for a thriving society. We must unite to overcome our country’s challenges,” said Governor Abiodun.
Dignitaries at the event included former Governors Olusegun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Senator Shuib Salis (Ogun Central), Speaker Daisi Elemide, Mrs. Abosede Adelami (wife of the Ondo Deputy Governor), Mrs. Bola Obasanjo (wife of the former President), and the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein.
