The Minister of Culture, Art, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, announced on Tuesday that the Federal Government plans to seek UNESCO recognition for the annual Ojude Oba Festival. Represented by Dr. Ben Anama, Director of Cultural Agencies and Heritage, at the 2024 Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Musa-Musawa emphasized the festival’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to boost tourism revenue to over $100 billion by 2030.

The Ojude Oba Festival, celebrated on the third day of Eid-el-Kabir, showcases the rich cultural heritage of Ijebuland. This year’s theme, “Ojude Oba: Unity and Harmony, Our Gift,” highlighted the festival’s role in promoting national unity.

At the festival, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, hosted over 100 age-grade groups (Regberegbes) in vibrant attire. The event featured thrilling horse displays by warrior families and was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, Deputy Governor Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, former governors Chief Olusegun Osoba and Senator Gbenga Daniel, and other prominent figures.

The minister highlighted the festival as a significant platform for national unity and a potential driver of economic diversification beyond oil. She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to promote and preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage under the ‘Destination 2030’ vision, aimed at expanding the arts, culture, and creative economy sectors to generate substantial economic growth.

Governor Abiodun praised the festival for enhancing the identity of Ijebuland and Ogun State, noting its role as a catalyst for regional development. He pledged to partner with the Federal Government to further develop the festival into a global tourist attraction, stressing the importance of unity and harmony for societal progress.

Other notable attendees included Senator Shuib Salis, Ogun Central Senator; Daisi Elemide, Speaker of the State House of Assembly; Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, wife of former President of Nigeria; Mrs. Abosede Adelami, wife of the Ondo State Deputy Governor; and Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, Accountant General of the Federation.