Oyo State Acting Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal has reaffirmed the Seyi- Makinde-led administration’s the commitment to exploring culture and tourism to expand the economy of the state
The Acting Governor stated this on Saturday at the grand finale of the 2024 World Sango Festival held at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo , in Oyo town
his year’s World Sango Festival which comes with a lot of coloration, is the first to be held following its recent approval for inclusion in the UNESCO representative list for intangible Cultural heritage of humanity in December 2023
Lawal,who assured that the state government will lend stronger support to the festival as a result of the international recognition it has received said that the current administration will give the required assistance to uplift the Sango festival
“I am delighted because today’s event is a fulfillment of the promises that the Governor had given in 2023 when we were campaigning for a return of second term in office.
“Wherever we went, he have committed assurances that our culture would be lifted to higher heights. And today’s event is the manifestation of that commitment. So, I am happy.
“Again, I need to remind us that we also gave commitment that, like many other religions in Nigeria, we will be declaring the Isese Day and I am happy we have fulfilled that promise. And indeed, next Tuesday has been declared as Isese Day and a holiday has been declared to that effect.
“Today’s event is to mark World Sango Day. And as we know, particularly we Yoruba, that Sango is and was one of our leading and spiritual deity. And by divination, Sango is an Oracle that our people have been consulting to tell the way forward, prophesy what the future would be.
“So, fundamentally, you will agree with me that culture and tourism are intertwined and interrelated and what we are doing today is an encapsulation of culture and tourism. And the benefit of The event is that it adds more to revenue generation; adds fun to our environment and tells us about history and our culture.
“We also know that for us to have distinguished personalities like the Minister of Culture amongst us this afternoon, eloquently tells the history that Sango is one of the recognized personalities in Nigeria.
“I want to express our heartfelt appreciation to the President of Nigeria for lending support to our heritage. We believe this is in consonance with the constitutional requirement that freedom of worship is sine qua none in the administration of our country. That we are celebrating this today is in accordance with the constitution.” he concluded
In her address at the event, the Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa at the stated that the recognition of the Sango festival by the UNESCO is not just a milestone for Oyo State, the Yoruba people, and the Kingdom of Oyo but a victory for the entire nation of Nigeria.
” It affirms my Ministry’s commitment to the global significance of our rich traditions, our stories, our values, and our way of life. This tells the world that the Sango festival is not just an event, but a living testament to the vibrancy and resilience of our culture”, she said.
While congratulating the entire Oyo community, for their dedication, passion, and relentless efforts towards ensuring that the legacy of Sango lives on, the Minister said the President Bola Tinubu’s administration recognizes the profound importance of cultural heritage in shaping our national identity and driving sustainable development.
“It is only a source of pride but also a vital component of our creative economy, providing opportunities for economic growth, community development and tourism.
“In line with our Renewed Hope Agenda, let me reaffirm this administration’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage. We are determined to support initiatives that protect our traditions, encourage cultural expressions, and harness the power of our heritage for the benefit of all Nigerians.
She said, her Ministry will continue to collaborate with local communities, traditional leaders, and international partners to ensure that our cultural heritage thrives in the modern world, contributing to peace, unity, and sustainable development.
The State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun in his welcome address, expressed joy that the festival is now being recognized as one of the country’s heritages that must be observed internationally.
The Commissioner noted that a symposium to honour a theatre icon, Late Duro Ladipo was held on Tuesday the 13th August to remember his impact of his work “Oba koso” that was staged around the world to show the mystical invisible power of Sango through the energy of thunder.
“The world Sango Festival is a Cultural Tourism Festival that stands out as one of the most distinctive expression of the larger heritage of Yoruba race.Therefore it’s cultural manifestation cut across the globe.
“It indefatigable Governor is fulfilling the promise of using our inherent traditional festivals to drive the economic growth in the State and this is why the celebration of this World Sango Festival 2024 is being supported as evidently shown.” He said
Chairman of the occasion, the Chairman, Park Management, Ojodu-Berger terminal, Lagos State,Comrade Ismail Taiwo popularly called “Elewedu”described the festival as colourful and called for the sustenance of the annual festival
In her address, the Cultural Ambassador to the Alaafin of Oyo, Dr Paula Gomes, the Alaafin and Sango, which festival is celebrated in 42 countries lauded the tenacity of the late Alaafin whose efforts, she said, had yeilded fritful results
Gomes, emphasized the need for the development and growth of the Oyo community to enable it maintain and preserve the rich cultural heritage of oyoland
“This phenomenon leads to the appraisal of the growth and development of this community in maintaining this rich cultural heritage. So that this cultural heritage will never die.” She said
Son of the late Alaafin of oyo, who is a member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing AFIJIO, Oyo East, Oyo West and Atiba federal constituency, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi expressed joy that the efforts of his late father, Lamidi Adeyemi lll at promoting the Sango Festival to gain internal recognition was not in vain.
Hon Adeyemi also commended the efforts of the state and federal government towards ensuring that the Sango Festival is enlisted in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
He urged Yoruba sons and daughters of yorubaland within and in the diaspora to uphold and sustain the cultural values and traditions of the Yoruba race
The festival was attended by the Basorun of oyoland, Chief Akiniade Ayoola Layinka l, Portugal’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Santos Paulo, Consular, Embassy of Portugal in Nigeria, Ms. Cunha Johana Prata; Cultural Adviser, Royal Embassy of Spain in Nigeria, Ms. Eva Barta Martin and Ms.Maria, an official of the Royal Embassy of Spain in Nigeria as well as other foreign diplomats
