ODUAFEST 2024: Osun State to host regional Odua festival June

By Nwanma Ogidi

Every festival is a new experience and you must always be prepared, as ODUAFEST 2024 is happy that even from this maiden edition Local and foreign tourists are going to see a new wave of tourism in Osun State.

As the six states in the South West are to bring together the proudest race in the world and host the biggest festival ever in the South West while generating foreign revenue.

The Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) confirmed that Oshogbo, Osun State will host the regional Odua Festival in June, 2024.

According to the Southwest Vice President of Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr Tunde Kolade, who confirmed this to journalists during the Southwest stakeholders meeting held in Osogbo.

Tunde Kolade explained while speaking at the meeting, that Osun will host the maiden edition of ODUFEST 2024 in Osogbo.

‘The six states in the Southwest will be in attendance, noting that this will improve tourism infrastructure, and foster collaborations that drive growth and development in Osun state.

“We are here today in preparation for the upcoming OduaFest 2024. Osun is lucky to play host to other Southwestern states to promote Yoruba culture.

“The Odua Festival will be held on 23rd – 25the June, 2024 to treasure cultural events that showcase the rich traditions and customs of our people,” Kolade said.
Earlier, in his keynote address, the Chairman Osun State Tourism Board, Hon Taiwo Kayode Adeleke, explained that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration stands out in promoting Yoruba culture among other states and to local and foreign investors which earned Osun the privilege of hosting the regional cultural event.

Hon Taiwo who spoke in Yoruba while the address was read in English; “We at the tourism board help foster policies and programs that will promote the growth and development of tourism and cultural heritage in Osun state.

Expressing his deepest gratitude to tourism stakeholders, urging them to demonstrates more commitment to the growth and development of our cultural heritage and tourism industry.

“Hence the call for the pioneers and leaders in tourism arts and cultural heritage for a stakeholders meeting with the Ftan committee on the Odua festival which we are honored to be hosting in Osun State.

“The Odua Festival is a treasured cultural event that showcases the rich traditions and customs of our people. As stakeholders, your contributions are vital to the success of this festival, and I encourage you to actively participate in the discussions and share your valuable insights and expertise.

“By being a part of this event, you are not only helping to preserve our cultural heritage but also playing a crucial role in promoting tourism and economic growth in our region. Your involvement will help us create a more vibrant and sustainable tourism industry that benefits our communities and showcases our unique cultural identity to the world.

“Throughout this meeting, we will explore ways to enhance the Odua Festival experience, improve tourism infrastructure, and foster collaborations that drive growth and development in our state. I urge you to engage in open and constructive dialogue, share your ideas, and build meaningful connections with fellow stakeholders.

“Together, let us work towards a common goal of making the Odua Festival a flagship event that showcases our cultural excellence and tourism potential. Thank you once again for your participation, and I wish us a productive and fruitful deliberation.”

He therefore urged all stakeholders to contribute and actively participate for the success of the festival.

In her welcome address, Mrs Oluwatoyin Ajayi, General Manager, Osun State Tourism Board, appreciated the support given to the Oduafest by the state governor, Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan also for the support and approval when FTAN Southwest Executives presented the idea to the Osun State Government.

“With our common interest regarding this Regional event, we have great chances for dialogue, for everyone to have better understanding of our intention to stage the first regional campaign for inbound tourism in Nigeria, and for us to listen to the event’s agenda and take actions”.

According to her, “First, I would like to thank the Chairman, Osun State Tourism Board for his support and contributions during the presentation of the project by FTAN Southwest Executives to the Osun State Government. We are highly honoured to have our father, Arole Oduduwa, the Oonirisa, His Imperial Majesty, Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi accepted ODUAFEST as his project and given the go ahead to organize the first edition of ODUFEST”, she said.

“Also, I would like to thank our father, Projessor Oyeweso for joining our quest and supporting the concept of using our multi-cultural resources to promote regional tourism, economic development and cultural integration in Nigeria.

“My special appreciation and sincere thanks to H.E. Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, the executive Governor of Osun State who will officially declare ODUAFEST OSUN 2024 open”.

In her conclusion, she said, “We are honoured by his commitment towards this project and glad that together with other Southwestern Governors, they will be with us during the presentation of the maiden edition of ODUAFEST OSUN 2024.”

While Prince Adekunle Olatunji Fatal, member FTAN Osun State Chapter, who opted to speak in Yourba and English. He said I have to ‘code switch’ in my speech.
Prince Adekunle, who highlighted the mission to promote the Yoruba cultural resources with the objective of connecting the Tourism Industry, Stakeholders, Government, Trade and Entrepreneurship Sectors together to collaborate and form Linkages for a better and sustainable economic development.

” He said that the Oduafest 2024 will be well packaged, saying that they are in negotiation with hotelians in Oshogo to take care of the visitors accommodation, transportation and visits to tourist sites across the state and Yoruba land. We want to make sure that visitors have the pleasure of visiting the tourist sites and gaining lots of experience, he said.

The South West of Nigeria is made up of six (6) states, namely, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Lagos and Ogun State.