The Oyo State government has pledged to promote the annual twins festival in Igboora to secure UNESCO’s cultural heritage status.

Governor Seyi Makinde made this promise during the 2024 World Twins Festival at Methodist Grammar School, Igbo Ora.

Mr Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, at the event, themed “Twinning for Love, Unity and National Economic Reorientation,” highlighted the festival’s uniqueness and importance to Ibarapa land and Oyo State.

He said the government planned to expand the state’s economy through tourism, developing the necessary infrastructure to support the festival’s growth.

Mr Makinde urged parents of twins and multiple births to provide proper care and guidance, enabling them to achieve their life goals.

Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, noted the festival’s incorporation of twins from all geopolitical zones, targeting Guinness World Records and UNESCO intangible cultural heritage listing.

He said the festival had already promoted culture and tourism, with Mr Olatunbosun encouraging Ibarapa land residents to embrace the event and welcome participants from all Nigerian states.

The celebration featured various attractions, including the unveiling of the twins’ statue, the parade, the twins’ talent show, and the twins’ appellation.

(NAN)