The annual Ojude Oba Festival, a vibrant celebration of Ijebu culture and tradition, fosters unity, economic growth, says group chief executive of FCMB Group Plc, Ladi Balogun.
In his goodwill message at the event, Balogun noted that the festival attracts visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora, contributing to the growth of trade and tourism in Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria.
He urged Ijebu people to embrace the festival’s spirit of togetherness and use it as a springboard for further development and inspiration for younger generations.
This year’s Ojude Oba festival witnessed the participation of 90 Regberegbe groups, a significant increase from 76 in 2023, adding that this surge indicates a rise in social cohesion, which is crucial in promoting unity and peaceful coexistence within the community.
Affirming the economic and social development potential that could be harnessed from the festival through tourism, Ogun State governor, Adedapo Abiodun, committed to elevating the Ojude Oba Festival to a global stage.
He envisions the festival as a permanent fixture on the international tourism calendar and its listing as one of the festivals backed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Speaking on the festival’s economic impact, CEO of Blooms Hotel in Ijebu-Ode, Adewale Adenugba, said, “the festival has significantly boosted business activities across Ijebuland over the years, coinciding with the Muslim Eid-el-Kabr celebration when many Ijebus and their friends return home.
To him, “During this period, hotels in Ijebu-Ode and surrounding towns experience full occupancy, and relaxation centres also see increased activity. Artisans, traders, and vendors of various items, including festival paraphernalia, food, drinks, and transportation services, enjoy brisk business and substantial income. If we aggregate all these, the festival generates billions in revenue, benefiting not only Ijebu-Ode and Ogun State but also Nigeria. I urge the government to leverage this platform to promote tourism further.”
FCMB Group Plc is a major sponsor of the Ojude Oba festival, as it recognises the festival’s significant contribution to social cohesion and development.