Culture

Makinde Promises to Leverage on Culture,Tourism for Economic Growth

By Web News 226

By Iyabo Adebisi

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has reiterated his administration’s commitment to leverage on culture and tourism as critical drivers of economic growth, stressing that Yoruba heritage must not go into extinction .

He said this at the 2026 World Egungun Festival, organized by Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, at the Obafemi Awolowo stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, noted that diplomats documented the event on videos, signaling the festival’s growth globally.

He commended Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, for reshaping public perception of cultural affairs, and creating a realization that Yoruba culture and heritage must not die.

In his keynote address, Deputy Head of Mission British Deputy High Commission, Lagos- Mr Simon Field, highlighted cultural importance of festivals in bridging the gap between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

In a remark, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, appreciated supporters and sponsors of the event, saying the aim is to make the festival recognized and adopted by UNESCO.

Also speaking, Royal father of the day and Chairman of the occasion, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, commended the state government for the efforts to showcase cultural assets to a wider audience as part of ongoing efforts to position the state as a hub for tourism and creative enterprise.

The event featured cultural display of masquerades locally and internationally.

Edited by Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Culture

World Egungun Festival: Stakeholders Call for Preservation of Cultural Heritage

By Web News 143

Stakeholders have been enjoined to make cultural activities and preservation meaningful and attractive to future generations. 

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‎This formed the submission of Speakers at the 2025 World Egungun festival symposium organized by Oyo state Ministry of Culture and Tourism, held at the Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan. 

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‎In a lecture, Director of African studies, University of Ibadan, Professor Sola Olorunyomi expressed concern about declination of indigenous practices and urged government to invest in cultural technology to prevent extinctions. 

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Professor Olorunyomi said investment in traditional practices would mainstream cultural references to generations in the new world. 

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‎Speaking with journalists,Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun noted that the state government aimed to make the festival adopted by UNESCO. 

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‎Dr. Olatunbosun said the tourism sector having been invested on through security and infrastructure, would improve economy as over twenty-five thousand participants is expected at the second edition of Egungun festival. 

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‎Other stakeholders at the symposium discussed ways to preserve and promote cultural heritage.