FG Pushes for Global Recognition of Ojude Oba Festival

The Federal Government is advocating for the Ojude Oba Festival to be recognized by UNESCO, underscoring its cultural and economic importance.

At the 2024 Ojude Oba Festival held in Ijebu-Ode, the Minister of Culture, Art, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, announced the federal government’s plan to support the festival’s inclusion on the UNESCO list. Represented by Dr. Ben Anama, Director of Cultural Agencies and Heritage, Musa-Musawa emphasized the festival’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s tourism strategy, which aims to generate over $100 billion in tourism revenue by 2030.

“The Ojude Oba Festival is a celebration of our rich cultural heritage and a significant economic asset. Our objective is to utilize such cultural events to diversify our economy beyond oil,” stated Musa-Musawa. She noted that the ministry’s ‘Destination 2030’ vision aims to enhance Nigeria’s cultural heritage, contributing substantially to the national GDP.

Celebrated on the third day of Eid-el-Kabir, the Ojude Oba Festival highlights the traditions and unity of the Ijebu people. This year’s theme, “Ojude Oba: Unity and Harmony, Our Gift,” showcased the festival’s role in promoting national unity through cultural diversity.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, praised the festival’s impact on the development and identity of Ijebuland. “Ojude Oba is a catalyst for development in Ijebuland, underscoring the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. Our administration is committed to working with the Federal Government to elevate this festival to a global tourist attraction,” he said.

The event featured over 100 age-grade groups (Regberegbes) paying homage to the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who hosted the vibrant gathering. Traditional horse riders from Ijebuland’s warrior families also added excitement with their performances.

Abiodun emphasized the festival’s significance in showcasing Ogun State’s hospitality and traditions to a global audience. “This festival symbolizes our unity, tourism, and serves as a rallying point for all Ijebu sons and daughters. It embodies our collective values of hard work, dedication, and industry,” he remarked.

The governor acknowledged President Tinubu’s support in broadening the festival’s reach and expressed gratitude for the initiative to include it in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage list. He called for continued unity and harmony among the Ijebu people to foster community strength.

The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including former governors Chief Olusegun Osoba and Senator Gbenga Daniel, Ogun State Deputy Governor Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and Senator Shuib Salis, representing Ogun Central at the Senate. Other notable guests included Daisi Elemide, Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly; Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Mrs. Abosede Adelami, wife of the Ondo State Deputy Governor; and Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Madein, the Accountant General of the Federation.

Chief Olu Okuboyejo, Chairman of the 2024 Ojude Oba Festival, expressed his gratitude for the governor’s support and thanked attendees for their enthusiastic participation.