In an effort to revive and promote the rich cultural heritage of Ogbomosoland, the Ogbomosoland Committee for Culture and Tourism has announced the date and program outlined for the maiden edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival.
Prince Williams Adeleye, the Chairman of the Ogbomosoland Committee for Culture and Tourism, while addressing journalists at a press conference held at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, on Thursday, August 8th, 2024, said the carnival is scheduled to take place in Ogbomoso from December 19 – 23, 2024.
In his speech, Adeleye, a former media Adviser to President Muhammad Buhari, said the cultural festival is part of His Imperial Majesty Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye Orumogege III’s 25-year development plan to boost the economy of Ogbomosoland.
According to him, “Ogbomosoland, a conglomeration of over 1,000 communities spanning five local government areas, is renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, diverse cultural traditions, and thriving tourism potential. The people are endowed with a vibrant cultural heritage, including ancient palaces, shrines, cultural festivals, deities, masquerades, and a variety of traditional cuisine.
“We are now working towards rejuvenating the cultural heritage and showcasing it to the world, with the intent of promoting peace, creating jobs, and developing the city economically,” said Prince Adeleye.
He added that the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival will feature a diverse lineup of activities, including the Egungun festival, the Odun Oole Oba (a traditional cuisine festival), the Oba Ghandi Golf tournament, a masquerade parade, traditional cuisine displays, stage plays, musical concerts, and others.
Adeleye also disclosed that Ogbomoso-born international artiste, Mr. Alexander Akande Abolore, popularly known as 9ice, will be officially unveiled as the face of the festival during the unveiling of the logo and stakeholders’ forum, the date of which will be announced soon.
“The committee has been working closely with traditional rulers, local stakeholders, and the Federal and state governments to ensure the success of the maiden edition and subsequent editions of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival.
“Many countries, including the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda, have thrived on tourism. And we are aligning with the position of the federal and state governments in promoting domestic tourism, arts, and Culture,” Prince Adeleye added.
The Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival presents an exciting opportunity for cultural enthusiasts, tourists, and collaborators to experience the vibrant heritage of Ogbomosoland.
The committee invites all stakeholders, sponsors, and interested parties to join in making the maiden edition a resounding success.
Also, in his remark, the Oyo state Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the idea of the carnival is to enhance and consolidate the culture of Ogbomoso and to open the eyes of the world to the potentials in Ogbomoso.
He added that His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye has been moving around the world to promote culture and tradition, as well as restore the confidence of Ogbomoso indigenes in the Diaspora and at home, on the need to align with his 25-year development plan and support the vision for economic development.
