The Oyo State government has reiterated its unwavering commitment and support to upholding the culture and tourism sector as a veritable means of expanding its economy.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, stated this on Monday at a press conference for the 2024 Yemoja Ibadan Festival, held at the Council for Arts and Culture, Cultural Centre, Mokola, Ibadan, the state capital.
Olatunbosun explained that the Yemoja Festival would start on Thursday, October 10, while the grand finale would be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024, in the Popoyemoja area of Ibadan.
The Commissioner made the statements in a release issued on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, by Special Assistant (Print Media) to Oyo State Governor, Moses Alao, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan.
The annual festival, which usually lasts for 17 days, is aimed at showcasing, promoting, developing and preserving the traditional heritage of the people.
Olatunbosun said the essence of the festival was to honour the deity, which according to him, symbolised motherhood and fertility.
He added that the festival was also an occasion to pay the deity tribute for offering protection and support, which had shaped and preserved the Yoruba people and her devotees for many generations.
He noted that the festival would bring various communities together to express their gratitude and reverence for Yemoja for her significant roles in their lives, being the deity of fertility, strength and generosity, attributes that defined motherhood.
The statement read, “In its bid to showcase, promote, develop, and preserve the heritage of the state, we are collaborating with individuals, organisations, associations, and traditional adherents to repackage and transform our indigenous festivals.
“The present administration in Oyo State under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde is leaving no stone unturned to uphold our Cultural Tourism Sector as a veritable means of sustaining and expanding the economy of the State as outlined in the Omituntun 2.0 Agenda.”
The festival would feature activities such as offerings to Yemoja and Sango, Orisa Aje and Orisa Ogun, various performances, a visit to motherless babies’ homes in honour of Yemoja, and a festival tour to AfriChatta Film Village, among others.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Aare Isese of Oyo State, Aare Omikunmi Egbelade, appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for his support and steadfast commitment to traditional adherents, and for promoting culture and tradition.
He also commended the governor for declaring every August 20 as a work-free day in honour of Isese adherents in the state, stressing that the governor, by his words and deeds, is fostering unity among the diverse religious and cultural communities in the state.
He urged the state government to also support the Yemoja Festival to get UNESCO recognition as a World Heritage Festival.
The press briefing had in attendance, the Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser to the Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju; General Manager, Council for Arts and Culture, Chief Mrs Adeyinka Adedeji; Chairman Afijio Local Government, Honourable Olufemi Aikomo, Yemoja devotees and other members of the organising committee.
