The Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, has announced the establishment of a $100 billion economic expansion fund aimed at promoting and preserving the cultural heritage under President Tinubu’s administration.
Represented by the Director of Cultural Industry and Heritage, Rev. Ben Ugo, at the 2024 Ojude Oba Festival at the Ojude Oba Pavilion in Ijebu-Ode on Tuesday, Musa-Musawa acknowledged Nigeria’s cultural diversity. She highlighted the Federal Government’s goal to transform the country into a cultural hub by 2030.
Additionally, she mentioned that the annual Ojude Oba Festival is being considered for inclusion on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Cultural Heritage list.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, also spoke at the event, stating his administration’s commitment to elevating the Ojude Oba Festival to a global event. He noted that the festival has evolved from a local gathering of the Ijebu people to celebrate the Awujale, to an event that attracts national and international audiences.
Abiodun emphasized that the festival, now a significant tourist attraction, embodies the collective unity of a people renowned for their hard work, perseverance, and industrious spirit.
“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,” he said.
“This festival serves as a symbol of our unity, tourism and a rallying point to 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,” he said.
The event, the governor observed, creates opportunities for advancement which has brought about the socio-economic development not only to the axis but the state as a whole.
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.
He said the festival provides an opportunity for the Ijebu people to take stock and project the future. He called for unity and harmony from people across the state, adding that it was time to work together to build 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.