Oyo Will Use Culture, Tourism To Grow Its Economy – Commissioner

Oyo State government has promised to use culture and tourism to expand and improve the state’s economy as envisioned by Governor Seyi Makinde in the state roadmap for sustainable development.

The state’s commissioner for culture and tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, who stated this at a press conference heralding the 2024 Alaragbo International Cultural Festival in  Ibadan, maintained that the state government, through the ministry, would not relent in its efforts to showcase and promote, develop as well preserve the cultural heritage of the state.

He said this would be done by collaborating with relevant stakeholders and adherents to repackage and redefine various cultural festivals to UNESCO standards.

Olatunbosun said the Alaragbo International Cultural Festival started last Friday, adding that the grand finale would be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Christ High School, Olosan, Ayegun Oleyo, in the Oluyole local government area of the state.

The commissioner said the festival usually lasts18 days and would serve as a platform to boost cultural tourism in the state and draw participants, adherents, and devotees from all walks of life, including those in the Diaspora.

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Harping on the essence of the festival, Olatunbosun explained that Alaragbo was a strong deity that stood on its own and was also the arrowhead that brought all the Egbes (societies) together.

According to him, the festival will feature activities such as distribution of food items to 300 widows and underprivileged, visitation to motherless babies’ homes, appeasement of Ogun and Esu, Ifa and Imole Bibo, consecration of Imole, paying homage and ritual to ancestors, among other things.,

In her speech, the Yeye Alaragbo Oodua, Omo’ba Yeye Abiye Osunbunmi Ifasemilore, appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for his support and commitment to traditional adherents and promotion of culture and tradition.