The federal government has announced plans to list the annual Ojude Oba festival as a UNESCO-backed event.
Minister of Culture, Art, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa-Musawa, revealed this at the festival held at Awujale’s pavilion in Ijebu-Ode on Tuesday.
The Ojude Oba festival, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Ijebuland, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
This mandate aims to boost tourism revenue to over $100 billion by 2030. The festival, celebrated every third day of Eid-el-Adha, this year had the theme “Ojude Oba: Unity and Harmony, Our Gift.”
Minister Musa-Musawa highlighted the festival’s role in fostering national unity and its potential to diversify Nigeria’s economy away from oil dependence. She emphasized the ministry’s vision, “Destination 2030,” which aims to leverage the arts, culture, and creative economy for substantial economic growth.
“In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry will collaborate with stakeholders to promote, preserve, and protect our rich cultural heritage, ensuring it reaches its full potential,” she stated.
The goal is to increase the gross domestic product significantly by 2030.
She noted the festival’s international appeal and vowed to initiate the processes required for UNESCO recognition, acknowledging the festival’s significant impact on Nigeria’s tourism sector.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, praised the Ojude Oba festival for giving Ijebuland and Ogun State a distinct identity and serving as a development catalyst.
He promised to partner with the federal government to enhance the festival as a global tourist destination.
The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, hosted the event, welcoming over 100 age-grade groups (Regberegbes) in resplendent attire, who paid homage to the traditional ruler.
The festival also featured acrobatic displays by horse riders from warrior families in Ijebuland.
Dignitaries at the event included former Ogun State governors 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, and other distinguished guests.
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