Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, and the Minister of Culture, Art, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, are set to join other distinguished guests and tourists at this year’s Ojude Oba Festival.
The globally renowned festival, which celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Ijebuland people, takes place every third day after Eid-el-Adha at the Awujale’s pavilion. This year, the event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 18.
Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, will be the chief host of this vibrant event. Over 100 age-grade groups, known as Regberegbes, will don splendid attire to pay homage to the traditional ruler.
During a press briefing on Tuesday at the Heritage Hall of Awujale’s palace, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, Chairman of the Planning Committee for this year’s festival, highlighted the event’s significance as a gift from the Ijebu nation to Nigeria and the world. He described it as an exemplary model of religious tolerance, coexistence, and harmony.
Okuboyejo announced that this year’s theme is “Ojude Oba: Unity and Harmony, Our Gift.” He explained that the theme underscores the festival’s emphasis on promoting sustainable unity, peace, and harmony among the Ijebu people.
“Harmony among diverse people is crucial for societal growth and development. It provides a foundation for social transformation, cultural liberty, and economic prosperity,” Okuboyejo stated.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has been named the distinguished guest of honor for this year’s celebration. Okuboyejo mentioned, “We are honored to host the Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, as the Special Guest of Honour, alongside Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun and his wife, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun. We also anticipate the presence of the Honourable Minister of Culture, Art, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa-Musawa, among others.”
Highlighting the festival’s essence, Okuboyejo noted that it is not just a display of Ijebu culture and tradition but also an opportunity for the people to pray, reflect, initiate self-help projects, and reunite with family and friends. The festival also significantly boosts commerce and trade, with peak commercial activities occurring before, during, and after the event.
Mr. Sesan Fagbayi, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Ogun State, described the festival as a unique platform for uniting Ijebu sons and daughters for the socio-economic development of Ijebuland, Ogun State, and Nigeria. He emphasized the state government’s ongoing support for the festival, which promotes unity among indigenes and stakeholders and enhances Nigeria’s tourism and cultural value chain globally.
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