From left. Fisayo Alabi, Prince Dotun Oyelade Oyo state commissioner for Information, Prince Williams Adeleye, Chairman Ogbomosoland Committee on Arts and Culture, Mr Muyiwa Oke and Bashorun Akinwole Akinwale.
Ogbomoso an ancient town in Oyo State, is set to revive and exhibit its cultural heritage, including ancient palaces, shrines, cultural festivals, deities, masquerades, and a variety of traditional cuisine.
To this end, the Ogbomosoland Committee for Culture and Tourism on Thursday announced the maiden edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, scheduled to take place from Dec. 19 to Dec. 24.
The committee’s chairman, Williams Adeleye, disclosed this at a news conference held at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye.
According to Adeleye, the committee is saddled with the responsibility of reviving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Ogbomosoland.
Ogbomosoland is a conglomeration of over 1,000 communities, spanning five Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The area is renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, diverse cultural traditions, and thriving tourism potential.
The chairman said the carnival was planned to also promote peace, create jobs, and develop the city economically.
“The Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival will feature diverse activities, including the Egungun festival, Odun Oole Oba (a traditional cuisine festival), the Oba Ghandi Golf Tournament, a masquerade parade, traditional cuisine displays, stage plays, and musical concerts.
“Ogbomoso-born international artiste, Mr Akande Abolore, popularly known as 9ice, will soon be officially unveiled as the face of the festival during the unveiling of the logo and stakeholders’ forum,” he said.
He said the committee had been working closely with traditional rulers, local stakeholders, and the government to ensure the success of the maiden and subsequent editions of the carnival.
He mentioned the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda, as nations of the world that had thrived on tourism.
“We are aligning with the position of the federal and state governments in promoting domestic tourism, arts and culture,” he said.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said the carnival would enhance and consolidate Ogbomoso’s culture, opening the world’s eyes to its potential.
He said that the Soun of Ogbomosoland had been moving around the world to preach the message of culture and tradition.
According to Oyelade, the royal father believes in the restoration of the confidence of Ogbomoso indigenes in the diaspora and at home to align with his 25-year developmental plan.