Oyo Governor Pledges Continued Support for Culture and Tourism to Boost Economy

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging culture and tourism as key drivers of the state’s economic value chain. He made the pledge on Saturday during the grand finale of the World Egungun Festival, held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde, the governor noted that under the Omitutun 2.0 agenda, culture and tourism have generated more revenue for the state than in previous years.

He described the Egungun Festival as an underrated cultural heritage, often misunderstood due to beliefs associating it solely with spirituality and violence. According to him, the government organised the festival to correct that wrong narrative and tap into its economic potential.

Simon Field, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, commended Makinde’s leadership and initiative in promoting culture and tourism.

The royal father of the day and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who chairs the festival, also praised the administration for showcasing the state’s traditions. Oba Ladoja, represented by the Asipa of Ibadanland, Oba Hamid Ajibade, offered prayers for continued development and prosperity.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatubosun, appreciated the governor for his unwavering support. He disclosed that plans are underway to enlist the Egungun Festival as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage of humanity, a move aimed at gaining global recognition and further boosting the state’s economy.

He called for more partnerships from corporate and international organisations to prevent the extinction of the state’s cultural traditions.

The event attracted about 18,000 attendees, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and ambassadors. Masquerades from the five geopolitical zones of Oyo State, as well as from Ogun, Osun, Ekiti states, and the Republic of Benin, performed, turning the occasion into a vibrant display of drums, dance, and Egungun-related arts.