The Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, has disclosed the creation of an economic expansion fund of $100bn towards promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the country.
Musa-Musawa who was represented by the Director of Cultural Industry and Heritage, Rev. Ben Ugo, at the 2024 Ojude Oba Festival held at the Ojude Oba Pavilion in Ijebu-Ode on Tuesday, acknowledged the cultural diversity of Nigerians, noting that the Federal Government is working towards making the country a cultural hub by the year 2030.
He also said that the annual Ojude Oba festival, is being considered to be listed as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s World Cultural Heritage.
While speaking, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said that his administration was poised to make the Ojude Oba festival a global event.
According to him, the annual event has grown from a mere gathering of Ijebu people to felicitate the Awujale, to an event that attracts both national and global audiences.
He explained that the festival, which has become a tourist attraction, symbolises and reflects the collective unity of the people known for hard work, perseverance, and industry.
“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.
