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Governor of Ogun State Dapo Abiodun said the Ojude Oba Festival has become a catalyst for developing Ijebuland.
With this, Abiodun said, his administration is set to turn the Ojude Oba celebration into a global event.
The governor, who stated this on Tuesday at the year’s celebration, held in Ijebu-Ode, noted that the annual event has grown from a mere gathering of Ijebu people to an event that attracts both national and global audiences.
He explained that the festival, which has become a tourist destination, represents and reflects the people’s collective unity through hard work, dedication, and industry.
He said: “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 for 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.”
While thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing interest in expanding the festival, especially with plans to include it in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage, the governor said his administration was committed to providing a conducive environment for business to thrive.
According to him, the event gives the Ijebu a chance to reflect and look to the future and he called for harmony and unity, saying that it was time to cooperate to create a virile state.
“The state government will continue to create a conducive atmosphere for community development across the state and I solicit the support of the people, especially all the sons and daughters towards the 20th National Sports Festival, Gateway Games, 2024, part of which will be hosted right here in Ijebu-Ode,” the governor concluded.
Chairman of the 2024 Ojude Oba festival Chief Olu Okuboyejo appreciated the governor for his support for the festival and the people for turning up enmass to grace the occasion.
