By Our Reporter
Deputy Head of Mission at the British Deputy High Commission, Lagos, Mr Simon Field, has lauded Governor ‘Seyi Makinde’s uncommon leadership and, especially his initiative in promoting culture and tourism in Oyo State.
Mr. Field gave this commendation on Saturday, in a goodwill message he delivered at the World Egungun Festival grand finale, held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.
At the event, which proved to be a festival of culture, drums, dance and all sorts of arts related with the Egungun phenomenon, and witnessed by about 18,000 people, masquerades from the five geo-political zones of Oyo State as well as those from Ogun, Osun, Ekiti states and the Republic of Benin, performed.
In his speech at the festival, which was instituted by his administration as part of its commitment to tourism development, Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, reiterated his pledge to continue to support culture and tourism as means of enhancing its economic value chain in the state.
Governor Makinde, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Musibau Babatunde, noted that culture and tourism had been one of the fundamental factors used to improve the state’s economy, saying that it had generated more revenues under Omitutun 2.0 than in previous years.
The governor stressed that Egungun Festival is one of the cultural heritages that had been underrated due to beliefs of some people that it is all about spirituality and violence, saying that the state government put together the festival to change the wrong narrative and explore the economic potential of the heritage.
Governor Makinde commended all stakeholders, sponsors and different masquerades for their efforts and performances, calling on the organisers to put in more efforts in support of the festival.
Also speaking, the Royal Father of the Day and Chairman of the festival, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, who was represented by the Asipa of Ibadanland, Oba Hamid Ajibade, commended Governor Makinde’s administration for showcasing and promoting culture, traditions and customs in the state.
The monarch offered special prayers for the continuous development, progress, and prosperity of Ibadanland and Oyo State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, appreciated Governor Makinde for his unwavering commitment and support to the promotion of tradition, customs and for the opportunity to showcase the cultural values and heritage of the state since the inception of his administration.
The commissioner hinted that plans were underway to enlist the Egungun Festival as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage of humanity in order to ensure its recognition globally and for it to contribute to boosting and expanding the economy of the state.
Olatubosun equally appreciated stakeholders, associations, groups and individuals for their support, while also calling for more partnership and support from corporate and international organisations, noting that such support would go a long way in ensuring that the culture and tradition do not go into extinction.
The event had in attendance the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS), Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi; President African Association for Japanese Studies, Prof. Adedoyin Aguoru; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ogun State, Chief Olusesan Fagbayi; Araba of Osogbo, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon; President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Barr Ajeniyi Ajewole; traditional rulers, religious leaders, Head of Missions, Diplomatic Corps, and ambassadors, among others.
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