By Joshua Oladipo
Osogbo: The Osun Government has assured tourists and stakeholders attending the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival of adequate security.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Abiodun Ojo, gave the assurance on Friday in Osogbo during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held as part of preparations for the annual cultural event.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was themed, “Preserving Heritage, Inspiring the Future: The Role of Culture in Shaping the Future.”
Ojo said the centuries-old pact between the Laroye dynasty and the Osun river goddess had continued to drive the growth and development of the Osun Sacred Grove and the ancient city of Osogbo.
According to him, the festival remains one of the most significant cultural celebrations in Yorubaland and requires the collective support of all stakeholders for its sustainability.
“The festival is critical to Yorubaland and cannot be sustained by government alone. It requires the support and collaboration of stakeholders from all sectors.
“I commend the marketing consultant to the festival, Our Heritage Branding and Advertising Limited, as well as other partners, for their commitment to promoting the annual event,” he said.
The commissioner also assured tourists, investors and development partners that Osun remains peaceful and hospitable, noting that visitors have consistently enjoyed memorable experiences during previous editions.
He expressed optimism that the 2026 edition would surpass previous outings, adding that preparations were already at an advanced stage.
“We are entering another cycle of the Osun-Osogbo Festival and we are hopeful that this year’s edition will be the best ever.
“The festival will take place barely seven days before the governorship election in the state, and we need the prayers and support of all stakeholders for a successful outing,” he said.
Ojo reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting the globally acclaimed festival and preserving its rich cultural heritage for future generations.
Earlier, the Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, commended Gov. Ademola Adeleke for his continued support toward the success of the annual festival.
He noted that the government had continued to add value to the Osun Sacred Grove and its environs through various developmental initiatives, describing the grove as a major cultural and tourism asset that requires sustained attention and preservation.
Also speaking, the Marketing Consultant to the Osun-Osogbo Festival and Managing Director of Our Heritage Branding and Advertising Limited, Mr Ola Oluwasanmi, described the stakeholders’ meeting as a reawakening of the collective responsibility required to sustain and promote the festival.
Oluwasanmi said the engagement was aimed at mobilising support from government agencies, traditional institutions, private organisations, community groups and development partners ahead of the festival.
He added that the Osun-Osogbo Festival had grown beyond a local celebration to become a globally recognised cultural event that attracts thousands of visitors annually.
According to him, the festival requires deliberate efforts in branding, promotion and stakeholder collaboration to maintain its status as one of Africa’s foremost cultural tourism events.
“The essence of this meeting is to bring all stakeholders together and remind ourselves of our shared responsibility in preserving and promoting this heritage.
“The festival belongs to all of us. Its success depends on the commitment and contributions of every stakeholder, including government, the private sector, traditional institutions and residents of Osogbo,” he said.
Oluwasanmi expressed confidence that the level of preparation and collaboration already underway would further enhance the cultural, social and economic value of the festival.
NAN reports that the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival, recognised by UNESCO, is scheduled to hold on Aug. 8.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
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