Ojude Oba festival boosts economy, global image — Abiodun

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has hailed the annual Ojude Oba Festival as a vital force for economic stimulation and international cultural recognition.

Speaking on Sunday, at this year’s edition of the festival in Ijebu-Ode, the governor emphasized the socio-economic and cultural significance of the event.

Abiodun described the festival as more than a cultural celebration, calling it a strategic platform aligned with his administration’s “Building Our Future Together” development philosophy. According to him, events like Ojude Oba play an essential role in strengthening local enterprise, promoting tourism, and preserving the state’s cultural identity.

“Festivals like Ojude Oba are critical to our vision of promoting the local economy, attracting global visibility, and fortifying our cultural capital. Our heritage is a powerful tool for national development,” he said.

He lauded the festival as a symbol of communal harmony, where tradition, religion, and modernity peacefully coexist under a unifying identity. Over the years, Ojude Oba has transformed from a local celebration into a nationally recognized cultural event, drawing global attention and fostering pride among the Ijebu people.

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Abiodun also highlighted the theme of the 2025 festival, “Celebrating Our Roots, Preserving Our Future,” as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural continuity in a fast-changing world. He emphasized the festival’s growing appeal among young Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.

“This festival has outgrown its current scope. We must take bold steps to scale it up and leverage its economic and social potential,” he said, pledging continued government support to further develop the festival’s reach and infrastructure.

The governor also spotlighted the festival’s impact beyond cultural celebration, noting its contributions to youth engagement, job creation, and entrepreneurship. He called on stakeholders to collaborate in repositioning Ojude Oba as a global brand that can attract foreign direct investment and showcase Nigeria’s rich heritage.

Representing Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Deputy Governor Olayide Adelani echoed similar sentiments. He described the festival as a “dynamic vehicle that drives economic growth,” noting its role in advancing tourism, creating jobs, and fostering peaceful coexistence.

Also present was the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Hon. Hannatu Musawa, who emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging Nigeria’s cultural diversity for national development. She acknowledged Ogun State’s historical significance and called for deeper collaboration between federal and state governments to promote cultural tourism.

“Ogun holds a significant place in Nigeria’s history through its contributions from illustrious sons and daughters,” she said. “It is time we fully explored what culture can offer our country.”

Musawa expressed optimism that Ojude Oba would continue to evolve into an internationally celebrated event capable of drawing tourists, generating revenue, and reinforcing Nigeria’s global cultural footprint.

The event, marked by colorful parades, traditional displays, and communal festivities, attracted dignitaries, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.

NAN