Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has pledged further interventions to address challenges facing the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove ahead of the next edition of the annual festival.

Mr Adeleke made the pledge at the grand finale of the Osun-Osogbo Festival on Friday in Osogbo.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, said his administration had recently rehabilitated roads within the grove, adding that more would be done to improve facilities and preserve the heritage site.

He noted that the significance of the festival continued to attract thousands of visitors from across Africa and other parts of the world.

“I want to urge the Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, to sustain his efforts in promoting the cultural heritage of the people and contributing to the development of the state.

“We appreciate your support and commitment to making the state great at all levels,” he said.

The governor cautioned against the spread of misinformation about the festival, stressing the need for stakeholders to work together to preserve the ancient culture and traditions associated with the sacred grove.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at preserving the state’s cultural heritage.

In his response, Mr Oyetunji commended the governor for his infrastructure drive, which he said was improving the quality of life and development of the state.

He also appreciated the government’s support for the preservation and promotion of the Osun-Osogbo cultural heritage.

Also speaking, the commissioner for culture and tourism, Bankole Ojo, said the government would continue to ensure the preservation of the people’s customs and traditions.

Mr Ojo added that the administration’s infrastructure drive would continue across the state, noting that defective areas within the grove would be addressed before the 2027 festival.

He assured residents that safety and security remained a priority, with sustained efforts to keep the state safe.

The event was attended by prominent personalities, including Gani Adams, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, as well as tourists from Africa and beyond.

Arugba, a 10-year-old virgin, carried the sacred calabash to the river at about 11:43 a.m. to perform the traditional rites, marking the festival’s finale.

(NAN)