Ojude Oba and other age-long festivals in the country have huge potential to promote cultural diversification, national identity, harmony and unity, according to national telecommunications company, Globacom.
The Chairman of the company, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr., stated this in his goodwill message at this year’s Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Tuesday. He also noted that the festivals could foster cultural exchange and showcase Nigeria’s rich heritage to the world.
Dr Adenuga observed that the theme of this year’s celebration, UNITY AND HARMONY IN IJEBULAND: THE GIFT OF OJUDE OBA, emphasised the values that the festival had espoused for over a century that it has been in existence.
He added that the festivals also had potential to boost tourism and help in the diversification of the economy which was why the Federal Government and many governments across the globe have placed tourism on top of their development agenda.
Adenuga noted that Globacom’s continued support for major festivals in the country was meant to project them as world class events which will attract even more visitors from across the world.
He further stated that Globacom and the sons and daughters of Ijebuland, both at home and in the Diaspora, will greatly benefit from the partnership with the Ojude Oba Planning Committee to elevate the status of the festival every year.
The healthy rivalry among the various age groups, which was a major component of Globacom’s festival sponsorship, came to the fore again as they competed for the best parade and displays.
Egbe Bobasete Okunrin Omooba came first with Egbe Bobagunte Okunrin Akile Ijebu second and Egbe Bobamayegun Okunrin Asiwaju polling third place.
Egbe Bobagunwa Obinrin Omooba won first place.in the female division, while Egbe Bobagunwa Obinrin Asiwaju and Egbe Arobayo Obinrin Akile Ijebu emerged as runners-up, taking home the same awards as their male counterparts.
