Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for greater investment in Ile-Ife’s cultural heritage to promote tourism, employment, enterprise and economic development.

Mr Adeleke made the call at the grand finale of the annual Olojo cultural festival on Saturday in Ile-Ife.

Olojo Festival is an ancient festival celebrated annually in Ile-Ife. 

It is one of the most popular festivals in the Yoruba land and was once described by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as a festival that celebrates the Black race worldwide.

Represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, Mr Adeleke described Olojo as an important platform for preserving Yoruba history, culture and traditions.

He congratulated the Ooni of Ife and the people of Ile-Ife on the successful celebration.

The governor said Ile-Ife’s cultural heritage should be preserved and developed, stressing that stakeholders should put the ancient city first in their efforts toward growth and development.

Mr Adeleke explained that Olojo served as a bridge between generations by connecting contemporary society with the wisdom, traditions and values inherited from the ancestors.

“Our culture is one of our greatest assets. We must preserve it and present it to the world.

“Our heritage can become a powerful driver for tourism, employment and enterprise,” he said.

The governor further stated that Ile-Ife had numerous historical sites, monuments and cultural attractions capable of attracting tourists and creating economic opportunities for residents if properly preserved and developed.

He commended the Ooni for his efforts in giving Ile-Ife greater visibility on the global cultural map through the promotion of Olojo and other initiatives connecting the ancient city with the wider world.

The colourful celebration climaxed with the Ooni adorning the sacred “Are Crown”, followed by his traditional procession from the palace to Oke Mogun.

The Ooni was accompanied by indigenes, residents, cultural enthusiasts and visitors from different parts of Nigeria and abroad before performing traditional rites associated with the festival at Oke Mogun.

The festival also attracted tourists and cultural enthusiasts from different countries, including Canada, Brazil and South Africa, adding an international dimension to the celebration.

(NAN)