Ijebu-Ode: Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has described cultural festivals like Ojude Oba as vital tools for stimulating the local economy and enhancing global recognition. Speaking on Sunday at the 2025 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting cultural heritage-not just for the Ijebu people but for the benefit of humanity at large.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abiodun emphasized that this celebration aligns seamlessly with his administration’s development philosophy, the Building Our Future Together agenda. He noted that festivals like Ojude Oba are critical to the vision of promoting the local economy, attracting global visibility, and fortifying cultural capital. Abiodun described Ojude Oba as a symbol of communal harmony, where religion, tradition, and modernity coexist under a shared identity.
The governor highlighted that the festival has evolved from a regional celebration into a living heritage that strengthens cultural roots and offers direction in a world marked by increasing social fragmentation. He stated, “Ojude Oba is now a vibrant fulcrum of our culture-our pride, our values, and our continuity,” adding that this year’s theme, Celebrating Our Roots, Preserving Our Future, captures the very essence of the gathering.
Abiodun noted the growing popularity of the festival among youth both at home and abroad, calling for deliberate efforts to accommodate its expanding influence. He emphasized the need to scale up the festival, which has become a dynamic platform for tourism, youth engagement, and entrepreneurship. The governor pledged his administration’s commitment to expanding the festival’s reach and socio-economic impact.
In a goodwill message, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Deputy, Mr. Olayide Adelani, praised the festival for advancing tourism and local enterprise. He described culture as “a dynamic vehicle that drives economic growth,” stating that “Ojude Oba creates jobs, promotes peace, and attracts foreign investment.”
Additionally, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Hannatu Musawa, highlighted Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, which she said had endured through generations and gained international appreciation. She disclosed that the Federal Government was working closely with state governments to harness the cultural uniqueness of each region for national development. Musawa expressed hope that Ojude Oba would continue to grow, eventually becoming a major attraction for foreign tourists.
