The Aare-Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, on Friday assured adequate security across the south-western states of the country to protect the region against attacks by enemies.
Iba Gani Adams, who made the assurance in his speech at the 2024 OSUN Osogbo festival, also charged Yoruba traditional rulers as custodians of cultures and traditions to promote the cultural identity of the Yoruba race.
Aare-Onakakanfo however, maintained that, “In fulfilling these tasks, I think it is very important to tell the world that we have been doing our very best to ensure that Yoruba land is safe and secured.”
“We have made great landmarks in cultural promotion activities, and I have to express my sincere appreciation to our royal fathers, who have also done well in fulfilling their traditional roles as custodians of Yoruba culture and tradition.”
“In Osun State, for instance, Kabiesi, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has done very well in projecting and also sustaining the cultural identity of Yoruba race.’
“In Ile Ife, Kabiesi Oonirisa usually celebrate the Oodua Festival with us. In Ile Ife, they celebrate Olojo and Aje festivals.”
“Here in Osogbo, Kabiesi, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, has done well in sustaining the cultural identity of the people of Osogbo.”
“As we celebrate this festival today, we are also keeping hope alive. In the same vein, Yoruba Obas should be more traditional than political.”
“I want to also use this opportunity to appeal to the Ondo and Ekiti state governments to join their counterparts in the south-west region to celebrate the best of our culture and tradition.”
“Four states in the south-west region, including Osun, Ogun, Oyo, and even Lagos states, have declared August 20 as Iseese Day.
“Setting a day aside officially for the celebration of Yoruba tradition is a good tiding and a major boost to believers in the religion of our forebears.”
“Celebration of festivals all over the world are always attached to the people’s heritage and tradition. In Europe, America, Asia, or Africa, festivals create synergy, build bonds, and give the elixir for unity. Festivals also enhance peace across the world.”
“In Nigeria, especially in Yoruba land, we can earn the respect of other races or tribes by celebrating our culture and tradition. It also helps in strengthening the bond of unity across the southwest region.”
“Now that four states in Yoruba land have been celebrating Iseese Day, Ondo and Ekiti state governments can also call it Yoruba Heritage Day.”
“Setting a day aside to celebrate our cultural identity is spiritual. And it is very important to the progress and development of our region.”
“What the Osun state government is doing and showcasing through the Osun Osogbo festival is nothing but a complete celebration of Yoruba culture and tradition.
“It is a major milestone in exploring the tourism potentials of the state. As an organisation, we know how much we have injected into the economy of the state in the last two days.”
“And it is interesting to say that the financial commitments incurred by our members at this year’s Osun Osogbo festival have gone a long way in boosting the economy of Osogbo and its environs.”
“In Ondo State, for instance, we have many festivals, traditional, cultural and tourism sites that can be celebrated as major milestones in the state. Festivals like Ekinmogun, Okota, Igogo, and several others can be celebrated, like the Osun Osogbo festival.”
“In Ondo State, there are Oke-Idanre, Ikare Olokeniyi, and several other tourist sites that can be turned into gold mines. Also in Ekiti, places like Ikogosi Water Springs and other historical sites in Ijero-Ekiti are the pride of the state.”
“We can turn these tourism sites around and bring into focus the beauty of nature and our ability to explore what God has blessed us with as a race.”
“Therefore, I am appealing to the Ekiti and Ondo state governors to set aside a day to celebrate Yoruba Heritage Day. Now is the time for us to celebrate our festivals. Now is the time for us to celebrate the best of our culture and tradition.”
“And, as we celebrate these festivals, we seek the spiritual blessings of our ancestors; we seek unity. As we celebrate these festivals, we seek love, peace and tranquilly across the southwest region,” he added
Speaking at the event, the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, reaffirmed the determination of his administration to reform and expand the creative sector of the state economy, covering tourism, entertainment, and craft sub-sectors.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, made the pledge at the grand finale of the 2024 Osun Osogbo festival held at the Osun Osogbo Groove.
“Our government is reforming and expanding various sectors of the economy. The creative industry is receiving special attention because of its potential as an employer of labour and a booster of internally generated revenue.
“We are supporting the private sector as the driver of the creative sector expansion agenda. This will speed up the rejuvenation of the sector.
“We have huge potential to tap into the tourism sector. Osun is the cradle of the Yoruba race and the host of key Yoruba cultural assets. We are not relenting in our plans to make Osun the first tourism destination within and outside the federation.
“We are forging ahead with our support for the upgrade of the Osun Osogbo groove. Last year, we supported the organiser and managers of the site with the rehabilitation of the arena.
“We backed up the cleaning of the stream. We are now looking at the rehabilitation of the internal roads within the groove,” the governor noted in his address.
He congratulated the Ataoja of Osogbo Land for another successful hosting of the Osun Osogbo festival, expressing delight that annually, the event is attaining new heights in terms of planning and delivery.
“Our best wishes to all adherents of the Osun Osogbo at home and abroad. We will continue to support all cultural festivals as a tool for local development and preservation of our tradition and culture,” the governor noted.
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