Ibadan: Gov. Seyi Makinde says the Yoruba heritage should not be allowed to fade due to its importance to Oyo State and national advancement.
Makinde said this at the grand finale of the 2026 World Egungun Festival, held on Saturday at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, reassured that his administration would continue to use culture and tourism to expand the state’s economy.
“I commend the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, for remodelling public perception of cultural affairs, and enhancing the realisation that Yoruba heritage must not die in our hands,” Makinde said.
In his keynote address, Mr Simon Field, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, pointed out that festivals play important roles in connecting people.
Field noted that cultural celebrations have always assisted in strengthening ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK).
Meanwhile, Olatunbosun had earlier said that the motive behind the festival was to get it on UNESCO’s radar, making it globally recognisable and adoptable.
The commissioner appreciated all the supporters and sponsors who made the event possible.
The occasion’s Chairman, The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, pledged his continued support to all the government’s efforts at promoting and growing the Yoruba culture and heritage, particularly in Ibadan.
Ladoja, who was represented by Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, noted that such efforts would make the state a leading destination for tourism and creative industries.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured cultural displays of masquerades from various towns of the state and other neighbouring states.