Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has restated his administration’s commitment to promote and support rich cultural heritage of the State through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Governor Makinde made the statement on Thursday at the 2025 World Egungun Festival held at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde spoke at the event through the Deputy Governor, Barr Bayo Lawal. He recounted the giant strides recorded by the Ministry at the inception of OmiTunTun 1.0 till the present moment where all religions are not just recognised but allowed to practice freely as guarantee by the constitution of the Federation Republic of Nigeria.
Barr Lawal emphasized the importance and role of culture and tourism in economic expansion and generation of more revenue for the government.
“The display of culture here today has been very amazing. And, from this event, we can see that the government is promoting culture and tourism. I’m impressed with what I am seeing here today, it shows the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism is doing his very best to promote Oyo State. The massive turnout is commendable. This event is one of the days to use culture and tourism to drive the economy.
”This is the second edition of this event and Oyo State Government is happy that masquerades from Benin Republic, as well as dignitaries from Ghana, Brazil, Cuba and all partd of the world attended.
The Chairman, 2025 World Egungun Festival, Oba Rashidi Ladoja who was represented by Maye Olubadan, Oloye Lekan Alabi said the festival holds cultural and ancestral significance.
Dr Wasiu Olatubosun in a separate remarks said that Oyo State government organised World Egungun Festival for global community to embrace the rich cultural heritage of Yoruba nation.
“What we are doing today is call on UNESCO to enlist World Egungun Festival and endorse date for its celebrations world wide as it did to the Sango Festival.
Masquerades across South West states; Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos, Oyo and Benin Republic performed at the event.
Present at the event were; representative of Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ojo Abiodun, Pa Yemi Elebuibon, top government functionaries and different groups.