The Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Oyo State, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun has said that the present administration in the state is ready to harness tourism and culture to boost its economy.
The Commissioner, while meeting with Egungun Worshipers (Alagbaas) and other stakeholders on Thursday, said that the state government will set aside a day in the year for a uniform celebration of Egungun Festival.
Dr. Olatubosun disclosed that tourism has become a focal point of Governor Seyi Makinde’s Omituntun 2.0 Agenda.
According to the Commissioner, the grand Egungun Carnival will herald the commencement of various Egungun Festivals across Oyo State.
Olatunbosun explained that a unified date for this cultural festival would further promote the state’s culture and boost its tourism potential by bringing tourists from all over the world to witness the festival.
The display by the various Egungun worshipers would make the celebrations more attractive to the tourists.
According to him, “Oyo State being a Pacesetter State, would be hitting the ground running on this dignified cultural propagation and promotion, thus writing history for others to follow.”
The ‘Alagbaas’ in their response, unanimously agreed to the concept, promising to work in synergy with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to make the concept a success.
They also promised to rally their members to give unwavering support towards achieving the desirable outcome.
The Egungun Festival is celebrated annually between June and July in Oyo State to pray for peace in the land and entertain the people in a peaceful and relaxed manner.
