Perm Sec Named Oduduwa Cultural Ambassador, Pledges Heritage Preservation

The Permanent Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, FCT, Olubunmi Olowokere, has been recognized for her exceptional leadership and dedication to cultural preservation.

Speaking during her nomination as a leader for the Oduduwa Culture under the House of Gold International Royal Foundation, Olowokere expressed gratitude and a sense of responsibility, pledging to uphold the values of Nigeria’s rich heritage.

“This honor is a tremendous privilege and a call to action. To whom much is given, much is expected. I am committed to preserving and promoting our culture with vigor, ensuring that our values thrive nationally and globally. I extend heartfelt gratitude to the House of Gold International Royal Foundation for entrusting me with this responsibility,”Olowokere remarked.

She appealed for collective support, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving remarkable milestones.

Olowokere also commended her staff, acknowledging their enthusiasm and readiness to embrace new ideas, which she described as the backbone of her leadership success.

She reaffirmed her commitment to positioning the FCT as a global cultural hub, pledging to work tirelessly with the Foundation and stakeholders to achieve this vision. “Together, we can achieve remarkable things,” she concluded.

In his address, the President of the House of Gold International Royal Foundation, Amb Sir Gennie Enie, also the convener of the African Cultural Festival and Exhibition (ACFEST), highlighted the Foundation’s achievements in organizing open cultural festivals that celebrate Nigeria’s diversity.

ACFEST, described as a hallmark initiative, encompasses regional festivals such as:The Arewa Cultural Festival (North), The Oduwa Cultural Festival (West), The Midbelt Cultural Festival and Tourism Development, The Ohaneze-ndi-Igbo Cultural Festival and Tourism Development and The South-South Niger Delta Cultural Festival and Tourism Development.

“These festivals are registered and trademarked, providing a collaborative platform for the preservation of culture and tourism. They aim to create job opportunities and ensure individuals remain active contributors to society even after retirement,” Enie stated.

The unveiling of ACFEST, initially slated for December, has been rescheduled to the last week of April 2025, allowing for broader stakeholder engagement and enhanced preparation. A Local Organizing Committee, comprising representatives from 10 federal ministries, will be inaugurated in January 2025 to oversee the event’s execution.

The House of Gold International Royal Foundation expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for their unwavering support in expanding the initiative across Nigeria. The forthcoming festival promises to be a celebration of cultural excellence and a testament to Nigeria’s unity in diversity.