Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his administration’s continuous support to expanding the scope of culture and promoting culture and tradition in the state.
He noted that this will, in turn, help the state in its drive to generate more revenues from cultural tourism and also boost its economy.
Governor Makinde stated this on Thursday, at the grand finale of 2025 World Egungun Festival, held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
The governor, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, noted that culture and tourism had been prioritised by the administration as one of the cardinal programmes under Omitutun 2.0 tagged Roadmap to Sustainable Development, 2023-2027.
He mentioned that the administration, in promoting diverse religious practices, declared every August 20th as Isese Day and also allowed religious freedom for everyone as guaranteed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He added that culture and tourism are inseparable all over the world, stressing that the Egungun Festival is one of the cultural heritages the state planned to leverage to boost its economy.
He said: “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, because both are intertwined.
“What we have seen here today is extremely interesting, with the massive turnout and this is one of the ways to use culture and tourism to drive the economy.
“In other developed climes, culture is enough to expand the economy of a state and, as a government, we will work towards making Egungun Festival to generate revenue for the state.
“We must not allow our culture to go into extinction and I am happy, because it is not only the old people that are here today. We can also see our youths here enjoying the moment. That is why we must continue to relive our culture.
“Let me also tell us that this government has been very lenient with people practising whatever religion they want. This government declared August 20th of every year as Isese Day, because we respect the freedom of religion. We do things according to the law of the land; we will never go against it.
“This is the second edition of this event and the Oyo State Government is highly joyous that masquerades from Benin Republic, as well dignitaries from Ghana, Brazil, Cuba and all parts of the world are here this afternoon.”
While commending all the stakeholders and different masquerades for their display and performances, he called on the organisers to focus more on areas of benefits so as to generate more revenues for the state.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the 2025 World Egungun Festival, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who spoke through the Maye of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Alabi, said the festival holds cultural and ancestral significance.
He offered special prayers for the continuous development, progress and prosperity of Ibadanland and Oyo State.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; Hon Ojo Abiodun and the President, Oje Parapo Worldwide; Prince Adeola Adelakun, lauded Governor Makinde’s uncommon leadership and initiative in promoting culture and tourism in the state.
They both urged all stakeholders to support the state government and shun all vices and bad behaviours associated with masquerade’s festival.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, thanked Governor Makinde for his unwavering commitment and support to the promotion of tradition and customs since the inception of his administration.
He noted that the state government has initiated moves to enlist the Egungun Festival in the UNESCO activities for recognition around the world, noting that this would further help to boost the economy of the state.
Olatunbosun equally appreciated associations, groups and individuals for their support, adding that the Yoruba race is the custodian of culture.
The event witnessed traditional displays of masquerades from Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti states and the Republic of Benin.
The event had in attendance traditional rulers, religious leaders, Head of Missions, Diplomatic Corps, and ambassadors, among others.
