The Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, has declared that the current administration under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde will continue to lend its support for the development of Yoruba culture and heritage.
Speaking on Saturday at the Sango World Festival Day at the festival arena in Aafin, Oyo, the Acting Governor noted that Sango festivity remains a socio-cultural mechanism of extreme importance for unity, mass participation, as well as the sense of belonging and common identity of the Yoruba people.
According to Barr. Lawal, one of the benefits of today’s event is that it generates revenue, and it’s also about our environment, history and culture.
The Acting Governor expressed his happiness that the Sango festival is being recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), as one of the heritages that must be observed internationally.
He equally expressed gratitude to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for his support of the Yoruba heritage, emphasising that the celebration is in consonance with Nigeria’s constitution on religious freedom, which is inextricably linked to Yoruba culture and tourism.
He said: “Oyo state will lend stronger support for the recognition if UNESCO recognises Sango Festival, and the current administration under Governor Seyi Makinde is ready to lend its support to whatever is needed to lift the culture and heritage higher.
“The presence of the Minister of Culture and Tourism, among others, makes today’s event significant and shows how well-known Sango culture is both locally and internationally.
“We have the great honor to rejoice particularly in terms of culture and heritage in Oyo state. We are the Asiwaju. And it’s my pleasure to declare the world Sango festival closed.”
Earlier, the Minister for Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, stated that the Sango festival is not merely an occasion but rather a component of the Nigeria’s heritage and culture.
She declared that President Tinubu will keep honouring the country’s heritage and culture while giving young people opportunities and promoting national development.
She added that the ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, under her supervision will continue to collaborate with Oyo state government in promoting tourism, culture and heritage.
On the entourage of the Acting Governor include Deputy Chief of Staff, Fola Sunday Oyekunle; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu; Comm. For Information, Dotun Oyelade; Chairman BCOS, Chief (Mrs) Dotun Olaitan; Special Adviser to Gov. Makinde on Homeland Security, Segun Adegoke and host of others.
