Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has emphasized the vital role cultural festivals like Ojude Oba play in strengthening the local economy, promoting cultural identity, and projecting global visibility for Nigeria.
Speaking at this year’s edition of the iconic Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday, Governor Abiodun described the celebration as more than a traditional gathering, but a “living heritage” that serves as a bridge between generations.
“This celebration aligns seamlessly with our administration’s Building Our Future Together agenda,” the governor said. “Festivals like Ojude Oba are critical in this vision to promote the local economy, attract global visibility, and fortify our cultural capital. Our cultural heritage is a powerful tool for national development.”
He praised the annual event as a unique display of cultural unity and identity, highlighting how it has become a symbol of communal harmony, where “religion, tradition, and modernity co-exist peacefully.”
According to Abiodun, “Ojude Oba is a vibrant fulcrum of a beautiful culture, our pride, our value, and our continuity. It has moved from being an ordinary festival to becoming a living heritage that connects our roots and offers direction in a rapidly changing and socially fragmented world.”
Reflecting on this year’s theme — Ojude Oba: Celebrating Our Roots, Preserving Our Future — the governor noted the growing interest among young Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora.
“This festival has succeeded in catching the attention of our youths across borders. It has outgrown this place, and we must do something about it,” he said, hinting at plans to expand the festival’s reach and infrastructure.
Governor Abiodun added that Ojude Oba has evolved into a vibrant platform for tourism, youth engagement, and entrepreneurship, adding, “We are determined to broaden its reach and deepen its impact for the benefit of our people.”
Representing the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Olayide Adelani, also lauded the significance of cultural events, stating: “Culture is a dynamic vehicle that drives economic development. It promotes tourism, empowers local enterprise, creates jobs, and attracts foreign investment.”
Adelani further described the Ojude Oba festival as a model of what African culture should represent. “It’s not only a celebration but a symbol of unity, peace, and socio-economic potential. This festival sets the gold standard and should be projected beyond Ogun State,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hon. Hanatu Musa, noted that Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity has endured across generations and has even been embraced in parts of the world.
“The federal government is working closely with state governments to harness the uniqueness of every cultural heritage across Nigeria,” she said.
“Ogun State holds a special place in the country’s cultural history, and it’s time we tapped more into what culture can offer for national development.”
She expressed optimism that festivals like Ojude Oba would grow to become international attractions that not only preserve history but also drive economic growth through cultural tourism.
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