…As UNESCO-listed World Sango Oyo Festival to hold from August 8th to 17th, 2024
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his commitment to fostering religious harmony in the state. Governor Makinde made this statement today during the inauguration of the Local Organizing Committee for the annual World Sango Oyo Festival, held at the Conference Room, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Makinde who spoke through his Deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, emphasized the government’s support for all religions. He assured the committee of maximum backing and robust engagement to make the festival more attractive to both local and international communities.
“As a mark of honor for traditional worshippers, the current administration has declared August 20 every year as a public holiday to celebrate Isese Day,” Makinde said. “I thank all of you for working earnestly to achieve a common goal. The foundation of our living is our culture, our tradition. Even if you have been to Vatican City where the Pope lives several times, if you are black, you are still black. It does not change who you are.”
According to him, “when we were campaigning, our people were advocating for Isese Day, and we thank God that this administration and others in the South West states of Nigeria declared August 20 of every year as Isese Day. This is an achievement for all of us. It is heartening to see devotees of Sango, Ogun, Yemoja, Laalu, Oya, and Osun worshippers here. This government is for everybody and will cater to and look after all religions.”
Makinde affirmed that the forthcoming Sango Festival, now listed by UNESCO as a world-class event, will receive full support from his administration.
In his opening remarks, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, announced that the World Sango Oyo Festival would commence on August 8, 2024, with the grand finale scheduled for August 17, 2024, at Alaafin Palace, Oyo town. He noted that the festival’s activities would include propagating the works of the late Duro Ladipo, a pioneer in Sango promotion, with a symposium in Ibadan.
He highlighted that UNESCO’s recognition of the Sango Oyo Festival as a World Heritage event has positioned Oyo State as a leader in the tourism and culture industry.
Mr. Niyi Emmanuel, Desk Officer of the International Cultural Relations Department, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for promoting the Sango festival and other cultural heritages in the state. He pledged full support for the success of the program.
Dr. Paula Gomez, Co-Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and Cultural Ambassador to the Alaafin of Oyo, remarked that the Sango festival, celebrated in 42 countries, holds significant potential for tourism and revenue generation for the state. She appreciated the state government for its cultural promotion efforts and noted that the festival would not only celebrate Sango but also showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity and the importance of cultural elements to the world.
