Events

FCMB reaffirms enduring commitment to Ojude Oba Festival as cultural, economic catalyst

Published

1 year ago

June 3, 2025

FCMB Group Plc has reiterated its decades-long commitment to the Ojude Oba Festival, recognising it as a vital cultural asset that fosters trust, strengthens identity, and boosts trade and investment through arts, tourism, and hospitality

Ojude Oba Festival continues to receive steadfast support from FCMB Group Plc, which has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to the event.

Also read: Ojude Oba Festival fosters unity, economic growth —Ladi Balogun

The financial services firm describes the festival as a vital cultural asset that builds trust, reinforces shared identity, and drives trade and investment through arts, crafts, tourism, and hospitality.

Speaking in Ijebu-Ode ahead of the 2025 edition of the festival, Mr. Diran Olojo, FCMB’s Divisional Head of Corporate Affairs, stated that the firm views the event as a significant platform for cultural expression and a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable growth.

“Ojude Oba reflects the type of society we’re working to build, one that values legacy, unity, and long-term prosperity. Our support, which began nearly 25 years ago, is rooted in the vision of our late founder, Otunba Olasubomi Balogun, who believed in the role of culture in enterprise development and community advancement. This belief remains a cornerstone of our purpose – to connect people, capital and markets,” Olojo explained.

This year’s festival, themed ‘Ojude Oba: Celebrating Our Roots, Preserving Our Future,’ is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, 2025. FCMB has pledged to deepen its engagement by actively participating in traditional activities, including the regberegbe parade and the traditional homage to the Awujale, the revered traditional ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

Olojo noted that the bank’s involvement extends beyond mere sponsorship. “We see our role as helping to reinforce traditions that have socio-economic value. Festivals like Ojude Oba create demand across tourism, hospitality, and small business sectors while preserving the culture that binds us,” he added.

Chief Olu Okuboyejo, Chairman of the Ojude Oba Festival Organising Committee, praised corporate sponsors like FCMB, noting that the event brilliantly showcases cultural continuity and religious harmony.

“This year, 25 warrior families will demonstrate their horse-riding prowess alongside colourful regberegbe displays. The festival remains a gift from Ijebuland to Nigeria and beyond,” he proudly stated.

Sesan Fagbayi, Ogun State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, affirmed that the state government is focused on expanding the festival’s international appeal and economic significance.

‘Ojude Oba is not just a celebration – it’s a strategic cultural asset. We’re working to ensure this year’s edition delivers lasting value,’ he stressed.

With origins dating back over a century, the Ojude Oba festival attracts thousands of participants and observers from Nigeria and the diaspora.

It has evolved into a significant convergence of traditional leadership, business, and communal identity, highlighting the powerful intersection of culture and development.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

3 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.