Sango Festival Promotes Culture, Tourism as part of Oyo State Economy drive – Ag. Gov. Lawal
By Adewale Owoade
Ag. Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, says Gov Seyi Makinde’s administration is prepared to strengthen and promote the culture and tourism sector to achieve his vision of diversifying the state’s economy.
Lawal stated this at the closing ceremony of the 2024 World Sango Festival held at the Festival Arena, Aafin Oyo.
He noted that the designation of the festival as a UNESCO Heritage was a great achievement for the state.
“Today’s event is to mark the World Sango Festival. As you know that Sango is and was one of our leading spiritual gods.
“He was an Alaafin in Oyo Kingdom and he became a god, who is being worshipped by many adherents to date. That has become an important part of our culture.
“But, fundamentally, you will agree with me that culture and tourism are intertwined and interrelated and what we are doing today is an encapsulation of culture and tourism.”
Lawal further said the festival was also important because of it’s potential to generate revenue for the state.
“The benefit of this event is that it adds more to our revenue generation drive; adds fun to our environment and tells us about history and our culture.
“We are happy that UNESCO has recognised the Sango Festival as part of the heritage that must be protected and observed.
“And, to this end, Oyo State will lend stronger support to that recognition. Whatever is required to lift this culture higher, the Governor Makinde-led administration is ever prepared to do it.
“We know that for us to have distinguished personalities among us this afternoon eloquently tells the history that Sango is one of the recognised gods worldwide, Lawal stated.
Minister for Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, at the event, affirmed that President Tinubu administration’s remained committed to safeguarding and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
“The government is “determined to support initiatives that protect traditions, encourage cultural expressions, and harness the power of our heritage for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“This recognition by UNESCO is not just a milestone for Oyo State, the Yoruba people, and the Kingdom of Oyo but a victory for Nigeria.
“It affirms my Ministry’s commitment to the global significance of our rich traditions, our stories, our values, and our way of life.
“This tells the world that the Sango Festival is not just an event, but a living testament to the vibrancy and resilience of our culture,” she said
In his goodwill message, the representative of the Diplomatic Community, His Excellency, Ambassador of Portugal, Mr Paulo Santos, reiterated the impact of the festival as it gained global recognition, assuring of more support through diplomatic communities.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, described the 2024 World Sango Festival as first of its kind.
Also in her remarks, the Cultural Ambassador to the Alaafin of Oyo, Dr Paula Gomez, thanked the Oyo State Government, the people of Oyo and the entire Oyo traditional religion adherents for upholding and preserving the cultural heritage.
The event had in attendance Portugal’s Ambassador to Nigeria, HE Santos; Consular, Embassy of Portugal in Nigeria, Ms. Cunha Johana Prata; Diplomats from Spain, Brazil, Cuba, among others. (NAN)
