Moses Ofodeme
The Oyo State Government has promised to continue to promote and use the culture and tourism to expand and improve the economy of the state as envisioned by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde in the Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development.
The state’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, stated this on Monday at a press conference heralding the 2024 Alaragbo International Cultural Festival, held at the Council for Arts and Culture, Cultural Centre, Mokola, Ibadan.
He maintained that the state government through his Ministry will not relent in its efforts to showcase, promote, develop as well as preserve the cultural heritage of the state by collaborating with relevant stakeholders and adherents to repackage and redefine various cultural festivals to UNESCO standard.
Dr Olatunbosun explained that the Alaragbo International Cultural Festival started on Friday, November 1 and that the grand finale will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the Christ High School, Olosan, Ayegun Oleyo, in Oluyole Local Government Area of Ibadan.
He added that the festival usually lasts for eighteen (18) days and that it would serve as a platform to boost cultural tourism in the state and also draw participants, adherents and devotees from all walks of life including those in the Diaspora.
Speaking on the essence of the festival, Olatunbosun explained that Alaragbo is a strong deity that stands on its own and is also the arrow head that brings all the Egbes (societies).
The festival, according to the commissioner, will feature activities such as distribution of food items to 300 widows and underprivileged, visitation to motherless babies’ homes, appeasement of Ogun and Esu, Ifa and Imole Bibo, consecration of Imole, paying homage and ritual to ancestors, among other things.
In her remarks, the Yeye Alaragbo Oodua, Omo’ba Yeye Abiye Osunbunmi Ifasemilore, appreciated Governor Makinde for his support and commitment to traditional adherents and promotion of culture and tradition.
She added that the governor had also been fostering unity among the diverse religions in the state, saying that the Yoruba cultural heritage is not fetish as insinuated by some contemporary believers.
The press briefing had in attendance the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Dr Muftau Ayoola; General Manager, Council for Arts and Culture, Chief Mrs Adeyinka Adedeji; Alaragbo devotees and others.