The Minister of Culture, Art and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, has announced plans to list the annual Ojude Oba Festival as a UNESCO-approved event. The festival, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of Ijebuland, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate to generate over $100 billion from tourism by 2030.
The minister, represented by Dr. Ben Anama, Director of Cultural Agencies and Heritage, made this known at the 2024 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. The festival, themed “Ojude Oba: Unity and Harmony, Our Gift,” celebrates the unity and diversity of the country.
The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, hosted the event, which featured over 100 age grade groups, horse riders, and dignitaries, including the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and former governors, Chief Olusegun Osoba and Senator Gbenga Daniel.
The minister praised the festival for fostering unity and promoting tourism, which can diversify the economy from oil. The government aims to collaborate with stakeholders to promote and preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage, aligning with its “Destination 2030” vision.
Governor Abiodun hailed the festival as a catalyst for development and promised to partner with the Federal Government to make it a global tourist attraction. The event also featured other dignitaries, including Senator Shuib Salis, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, and the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Madein.