The Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa, has announced the federal government's readiness to collaborate with state governments to develop Nigeria's tourism industry, which she said would boost economic growth, create jobs, and accelerate national prosperity.
Speaking at the 2025 Ojude Oba festival held at the Awujale pavilion in Ijebu Ode on Sunday, Musawa highlighted President Bola Tinubu's commitment to leveraging Nigeria's cultural and creative landscape.
"Recently, President Bola Tinubu announced a collaboration between the federal and subnationals whereby we will do a collaboration and partnership... we will also work with the private sector to tap into the unique peculiarities of every single state," Musawa stated.
The Minister emphasized that President Tinubu is "strongly committed to making us the greatest black nation on earth, to making us one of the strongest economies," adding that the Ojude Oba festival represents a significant opportunity for economic expansion.
A Living Heritage
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who was also present at the event, described Ojude Oba as "more than a festival, but a living heritage that connects us to our roots and offers direction for rapidly changing world."
According to the governor, the global festival has evolved into a dynamic force for tourism, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship. He assured that his administration would ensure the festival's continued expansion and development.
The annual cultural celebration, which holds three days after Eid-el-Kabir, provides an opportunity for the people of Ijebu land to pay homage to the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona. BenriNews reports that the highly revered 91-year-old monarch was absent at this year's celebration but was represented by his wife, Olori Kemi Adetona.
Dignitaries at the celebration included the governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami; former Governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel; Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuaib Salisu; and the deputy governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele.
Other notable attendees were the wife of the Ogun State governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; former governor of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba; the Asiwaju of Ijebu land and Chairman of Rite Foods, Alhaji Sulaiman Adegunwa; Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land, Dr. Sunny Kuku; and Speaker of the state assembly, Daisi Elemide, among others.
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