Ojude-Oba 2025: Tinubu pledges to harness culture for economic growth, national growth. By Bimbo Ojo

Ojude-Oba 2025: Tinubu pledges to harness culture for economic growth, national growth

The Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to position Nigeria as the foremost black nation in the world.

Speaking at the 2025 edition of the Ojude-Oba festival held at the Awujale Pavilion in Ijebu Ode, Musawa said the administration would harness the vast opportunities within Nigeria’s cultural heritage and creative industries to drive this national ambition.

To realise this vision, Musawa reiterated the Federal Government’s readiness to partner with state governments in developing the tourism sector.

Such collaboration, she noted, would stimulate job creation, drive economic growth, and fast-track national prosperity.

Musawa said, “President Bola Tinubu is strongly committed to making us the greatest black nation on earth, to building one of the world’s strongest economies.

“One of the pathways to achieving this is to fully tap into the vast opportunities that lie within our cultural and creative sectors.

“Recently, President Tinubu announced a new collaboration framework between the federal and sub-national governments.

“We will also engage the private sector to harness the unique cultural assets of each state.”

The minister commended the people of Ijebu land for consistently organising a colourful and impactful cultural festival.

She also praised the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, for his unwavering efforts in preserving the cultural heritage for future generations.

Musawa stressed the importance of sustained collaboration between the Federal Government and Ogun State to promote the Ijebu culture to international audiences and, in the process, expand the economic prospects of the state and the nation.

She said, “We can increase our global visibility and create jobs by exploring what our culture and traditions have to offer.

This culture is your identity; it is your tradition; it defines us as a people, and we are extremely proud of it.

“This is a beautiful culture, one we must continue to showcase and export as a tool for economic growth.

“As a Nigerian, I am proud to be part of this community. I feel honoured to be here, and I look forward to contributing to President Bola Tinubu’s vision by tapping into the vast cultural and economic potential of Ogun State.”

The annual Ojude Oba festival is traditionally held on the third day after the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir.

It is a time when the people of Ijebu land, adorned in vibrant traditional attire, come together to pay homage to the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

The revered 91-year-old monarch was notably absent from this year’s celebration, though his wife, Olori Kemi Adetona, represented him.

According to a reliable source who preferred anonymity, the monarch’s absence was due to his advanced age.

Among the dignitaries at this year’s event were the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami; former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel; Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuaib Salisu; and the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele.

Other notable attendees included the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; the Asiwaju of Ijebu land and Chairman of Rite Foods, Sulaiman Adegunwa; the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land, Dr Sunny Kuku; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Daisi Elemide, among others.

Speaking at the event, Governor Abiodun described Ojude Oba as more than just a festival, calling it a “living heritage” that serves as a catalyst for economic growth and a platform that fosters national unity amid Nigeria’s diversity.

He said, “Ojude Oba is more than a festival, it is a living heritage that connects us to our roots and offers a compass for navigating our rapidly evolving world.

“In a time marked by social fragmentation, this festival stands as a beacon of communal harmony where religion, tradition, and modernity blend beautifully under a shared identity.

“From the dazzling parade of the Regberegbe (age-grade groups) to the majestic display of horse riders, the Ojude Oba festival is a vibrant showcase of our cultural pride, values, and continuity.”

Governor Abiodun pledged that his administration would continue to support and promote cultural heritage, not just for the Ijebu people but for the enrichment of humanity as a whole.

He said, “Festivals like Ojude Oba are integral to my administration’s plan to develop the tourism sector, create more economic opportunities, and attract global attention.

“This global festival is a powerful platform for national cohesion and has evolved into a dynamic engine for tourism, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship. My government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the growth and success of the festival remain unhindered,” Abiodun said.

Meanwhile, the Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods, one of the festival’s major sponsors, disclosed that over 21,000 people participated in this year’s celebration.

He said, “We are passionate about improving the socio-economic well-being of our communities and preserving the beautiful culture of our great nation.

“Our sponsorship and support for the Ojude Oba festival are driven by this commitment.

“By our record, we have provided refreshments for over 21,000 people with our wide range of drinks and sausages. We are here to celebrate with the Ijebu people and all who have travelled from across the globe to witness this world-class event.”