Culture

Iseyin Agog for Oyo Fifth Edition of Aso-Ofi Festival

By Web News 1357

The fifth edition of the Aso-Ofi Festival has commenced in the ancient Iseyin town with a carnival procession of the weavers around major areas of the town.

The carnival which preceded the celebration slated for Thursday was witnessed by the Chairman, Iseyin local government, officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Iseyin Local Government, the Oyo State Cultural Troupe and the people of Iseyin.

While addressing the weavers at the palace of Aseyin, the Director of Culture at the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism who represented the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, said the 2022 edition would be memorable as the State has put necessary inputs into harnessing the tourism sector to improve the State’s economy.

Olatubosun urged the weavers association to continue their support to the State government in order to access more patronages from the administration.

“We look forward to seeing many interesting angles to the cultural value in Aso-Ofi in this fifth edition of the festival, tourists at tomorrow’s programme will enjoy memorable views of processions of old, adorable Aso-Ofi types and new ones in different patterns.

“As usual, we have come to give the support of the State government to the weavers and the Iseyin community towards the success of this year’s festival, it promises to be interesting like I said.

“From the weavers, the State government expects them to continue their support to the State government by contributing their own to the fulfilment of the State administration towards achieving a successful diversification of its source of revenue to include tourism and culture.”

The Chairman, Iseyin local government,  Mufutau Abilawon called on corporate organizations and donor agencies to give support to the annual Aso-Ofi festival, so as to sustain the tempo created and maintained by the State government.

Abilawon who was represented by the Leader of the House of the Local Government, Hon. Sheu Abiodun remarked that the festival, which has received global attention since its inception in 2017 will enter the global calendar of the United Nation.

In their words, the National President of Iseyin Marketers Association, Alhaja Muraina Kanguan and the Chairman, Alhaja Ariwoola Taiwo appreciated the State government for the usual support towards the festival.

They used the opportunity to enlist the support of Governor Seyi Makinde towards achieving financial emancipation for their members.

Nofiu Busari

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Culture

Oyo Govt., Iseyin Weavers Collaborate to Revive Aso-Ofi Festival

By Web News 1075

The Oyo State Government and Iseyin Weavers have collaborated to revive and further promote the Aso-Ofi festival in the state. 

This was disclosed in Iseyin during the grand-finale of the Aso-Ofi festival, witnessed by dignitaries in and outside Oyo State. 

Speaking at the event, the wife of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Tamunomini Olufunke Makinde said the festival would promote the cultural values and heritage of the state. 

She appealed to Iseyin weavers not to compromise the originality of the wool used in weaving Aso-Ofi, adding that it can never be duplicated. 

She also hinted that Aso-Ofi has grown to be one of Nigeria’s internationally-recognised fabrics, known for its rich cultural values. 

“I appeal to our weavers, put a mark on our heritage, it cannot be made elsewhere. If it is not made here, it is counterfeit”, she said. 

She added, “Ensure you protect our heritage, promote what we have and keep our culture for our generations unborn. Don’t sell out your trade’s secret. Do your best to protect our heritage”. 

The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the present administration in Oyo State is committed to showcasing and harnessing the tourism and economic potentials embedded in the festival. 

He said that the Aso-Ofi festival, which was last celebrated in 2018, is set for revival and unhindered annual celebrations. 

Dr Olatunbosun said, with the Aso-Ofi fabrics and resolution by the State Government to promote it, there will be a revolution in the tourism sector of the state. 

He hinted that Oyo State Government is resolute to champion the exportation of Aso-Ofi fabrics in the state, adding that the cultural, tourism and creative industry have been identified as one of the major sectors to diversify the economy. 

The State Government’s Spokesman added that Oyo State Government is formulating policies that will aid the promotion of this sector, while actions are being taken to unlock the huge potentials of the sector. 

He said the state government has found it expedient to increase awareness about the annual festival due to its potentials. 

“We are confident that the Aso-Ofi festival is back to and the State Government in collaboration with major stakeholders will be working to revive the festival and promote Aso-Ofi beyond the shores of Nigeria.” 

“We are working hard to ensure that all potentials are harnessed. We are set to work with sponsors, exporters and promoters in order to make it as international as possible to attract, cultural enthusiasts and huge buyers,” he said. 

The highlight of the programme was the presentation of the “The Ambassador of Aso-Ofi of the year” award to Governor Seyi Makinde and some notable Iseyin indigenes. 

The two-day event featured a rally, competitions, fashion parades, presentations of awards and draws national and international attention.

E-signed: 

Wasiu Olatunbosun, Ph.D,

Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.