Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun has on commended the organisers of the annual Ojude Oba Festival, saying it has helped to promote the state government’s tourism drive.
Amosun gave the commendation when he delivered his goodwill message at the event held at the Golden Jubilee Centre, Ijebu-Ode on Wednesday.
The governor said the festival, which commemorates the Muslim Ileya celebration, had over the years gained popularity both nationally and internationally.
“These festival remains a symbol of unity to celebrate the life of our kabiyesi, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
“It remains a forum to highlight the level of development in Ijebuland being a rally point for all Ijebu indigenes to promote their values.
“It has emerged as one of the frontline events in Ogun state and It is our belief that these festival represents one of the cardinal points in our tourism development agenda.
“It also makes me proud that everyone, even the world can come and see us showcase our culture and tradition in all its grandeur.
“I don’t know of any state that has been able to marry religion with culture and tradition successfully,” Amosun said.
Similarly, the Chief Guest of the event, Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, urged the nation to tap into potential inherent with festivals aimed at promoting tradition.
“Festivals like this should be encouraged in all parts of Nigeria to facilitate tourism, development and to promote our diverse traditions,” Dickson said.
In his message, Oba Adetona commended the corporate sponsors of the event, especially Globacom limited, for sponsoring the festival for the past 11 years.
The monarch urged all tiers governments to extend the dividends of democracy to the grassroots, saying areas outside the seat of government were unfairly marginalised.
“The first area of development are always the seat of government. Their should be equity in terms of development across board.
“We look forward to the change the present national government has promised. They must fulfil their promises to us,” Adetona said.
The monarch added that government could perform better because Nigeria was blessed with a lot of resources.
“We all know the country is presently going through a trying period, but we are proud that Ogun government has been able to keep to fulfil its mandate thus far,” Adetona said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ojude Oba festival, celebrated annually in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun, is held on the third day after Eid-el-Kabir.
It is a festival used to promote the cultural diversity of the Ijebu people, who use the occasion to honour their king.
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