By Milcah Tanimu

The Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, announced a $100 billion economic expansion fund aimed at supporting and preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This announcement was made during the 2024 Ojude Oba Festival held at the Ojude Oba Pavilion in Ijebu-Ode on Tuesday, where Musa-Musawa was represented by the Director of Cultural Industry and Heritage, Rev. Ben Ugo.

Rev. Ugo highlighted Nigeria’s cultural diversity and outlined the government’s vision to establish the country as a cultural epicenter by 2030. He also revealed plans to nominate the Ojude Oba festival for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage list.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, echoed these ambitions, expressing his administration’s commitment to elevating the Ojude Oba festival to a global phenomenon. He emphasized the festival’s transformation from a local Ijebu event honoring the Awujale to an internationally recognized celebration attracting visitors from across Nigeria and the world.

“The Ojude Oba festival not only embodies the cultural heritage of Ijebuland but has evolved into a significant occasion attracting tourists to Ogun State, showcasing our hospitality and rich traditions to a global audience,” Governor Abiodun stated. He highlighted the festival’s role as a unifying force and a platform for celebrating tradition, culture, and the revered monarch, while also driving development in Ijebuland and beyond.

Governor Abiodun expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his interest in expanding the festival and integrating it into UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage list. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for business growth, noting the festival’s socio-economic contributions and calling for unity and collaboration among the people of Ogun State to ensure progress and prosperity.

The governor also highlighted the state government’s dedication to community development and sought citizens’ support, particularly for the upcoming 20th National Sports Festival, Gateway Games, 2024, which will partly be hosted in Ijebu-Ode.

Chief Olu Okuboyejo, Chairman of the 2024 Ojude Oba festival, thanked Governor Abiodun for his unwavering support and the attendees for their overwhelming participation in the event.