The Oyo State Government has announced that its inaugural edition of the 2024 World Egungun/Fuji/Amala Festival, themed “Our Culture, Our Heritage,” aims to bolster the state’s economy through cultural tourism.
Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, made this announcement on Tuesday during a pre-event press conference held at the Briefing Room of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. The statement, signed and distributed by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor, emphasized the festival’s role in showcasing the state’s rich cultural potential and heritage, attracting local and foreign tourists for investment opportunities aligned with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision.
Dr. Olatunbosun highlighted that the festival, the first of its kind in the South-West, would provide a platform to promote talented emerging cultural artists in the Fuji and Apala music genres. He noted the deep historical significance of masquerades, embodying resilience and unity, which define the state’s identity and underscore Oyo’s enduring traditions. The state has produced Fuji greats, including the late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Iyanda Sawaba, Rasheed Ayinde Merenge, Abass Akande Obesere, Saheed Osupa, and Taye Currency.
Aligned with Governor Makinde’s Omituntun 2.0 agenda, which incorporates tourism for economic expansion, the festival will take place on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the Race Course, Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan. It will feature major masquerades, a dynamic showcase of culture and dance, music, and a variety of traditional cuisines, including Amala with gbegiri, Eko, and moinmoin.
The commissioner underscored the administration’s efforts to enlist the festival with UNESCO, akin to the World Sango Festival, ensuring the preservation of rich cultural heritage and traditions for future generations. He expressed confidence in laying a strong foundation for what aims to become an annual event, noting the intention to improve each year and meet the criteria for UNESCO recognition by maintaining the program seamlessly for a minimum of five years.
Dr. Olatunbosun also revealed that the festival would honor the late Fuji legend, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, with a posthumous award, adopting all his songs as official event songs. He emphasized the festival’s role in promoting upcoming artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents. Food vendors will serve traditional dishes, highlighting the state’s culinary heritage.
“We want the world to see and appreciate Oyo State. Our slogan, ‘Our Culture, Our Heritage,’ will form the basis for our mode of dressing, which will be traditional outfits. We want to show the world that Oyo State owns tradition,” said Dr. Olatunbosun.
The event will include a guest lecture by the Araba of Osogboland, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, and feature extensive security measures to ensure the safety of attendees, reflecting Governor Makinde’s robust security architecture over the past five years.
Present at the briefing were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Adebisi Ayoola; Chairman of the 2024 Planning Committee for Egungun/Fuji/Amala Festival, Mr. Agboola Adekunle; Head of Alaagba in Ibadanland, Baba Ojeniyi Akintomide; and Oyo State Coordinator/Chairman of Oloje, Baba Bamidele Ojebode.
By driving the tourism agenda outlined in Omituntun 2.0, the festival seeks to expand Oyo State’s economy, leveraging cultural heritage to attract both local and international attention and investment.
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