Gov. Makinde pledges continued commitment to promoting cultural, traditional heritages
By Adewale Owoade
The Acting Governor of Oyo State, Mr Bayo Lawal, says Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration will continue to promote and support cultural and traditional heritages in the state.
Lawal stated this at the grand finale of the 2024 Isese Festival with the theme “Isese Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Ibadan.
The Acting Governor, who hailed the festival as being colourful and rich entertainment content, said the state government has also been working hard to develop culture and tourism and attract more investors to expand the economy of the state.
“In Oyo State, we asked for the cooperation of all religious leaders including Christians, Muslims and the Isese faithful, and we are happy as a government that you are all identifying with this government.
“Isese Day is not for tradition alone but for culture, entertainment and other features. Another thing that makes it meaningful is the fact that through its cultural tourism angle, it can help to increase our IGR.
“So, we are not just engaging in tradition for nothing, but for the fact that it is contributing to boost the economy of the state.
“Since this government started, you would realise that we have not been joking with tourism. An example is how we are promoting Iyake Lake at Ado Awaye, Bower’s Tower in Ibadan and other tourist destinations in the state.
“All of these are in a bid to make sure that our culture and tradition in Yorubaland don’t go down the drain.”
In his address, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, charged Isese adherents to support the government and continue to promote unity and harmony among themselves and other residents.
Earlier in their address of welcome, the Aare Isese of Oyo State, Aare Omikunmi Egbelade and Araba/Olu Isese of Ibadanland, His Eminence Araba Ifalere Odegbola II, appreciated Gov. Makinde for not only acknowledging the importance of their faith, but also reinforcing the spirit of unity and respect among the diverse religious and cultural communities.
The event had in attendance the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Fola Oyekunle, Commissioners and other top government functionaries. (NAN)
