The federal government has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2024 World Sango Festival held at the Festival Arena, Alafin Oyo, Oyo State, minister for art, culture and creative economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, noted that the government was “Determined to support initiatives that protect traditions, encourage cultural expressions, and harness the power of our heritage for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
She also assured the Oyo State government of her ministry’s support for the laudable initiatives, as she appreciated the Yoruba race for promoting cultural heritage.
The minister said: “This recognition by UNESCO is not just a milestone for Oyo State, the Yoruba people, and the Kingdom of Oyo but a victory for Nigeria.
“It affirms my ministry’s commitment to the global significance of our rich traditions, stories, values, and way of life. This tells the world that the Sango Festival is not just an event but a living testament to the vibrancy and resilience of our culture.
“As we bask in the glory of this global acknowledgement, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire Oyo community, the custodians of this remarkable heritage. Your dedication, passion, and relentless efforts have ensured that Sango’s legacy lives on, passed from generation to generation, unbroken and unblemished.”
In his address, Oyo State acting governor Barrister Adebayoayo Lawal declared that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration was prepared to strengthen the promotion of culture and tourism to achieve his vision for an expanded and diversified economy in the state.
Lawal, who stated this on Saturday, noted that the designation of the festival as a UNESCO Heritage was an outstanding achievement for the state.
He maintained that the state government would continue to support religious harmony and peace and promote tradition and cultural heritage that bind the people together.
According to him, the Sango Festival would continue to gain recognition because culture and tourism are intertwined and related, explaining that though Sango is a Yoruba god and the traditional worship of the god is part of Yoruba culture, the tourism value of the festival cannot be overstated.
He said, “I am delighted because today’s event fulfills the promises that Governor Makinde made in 2023 when we were campaigning for a second term in office.”
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