Festivals

Igogo festival to attract 500,000 tourists to Ondo – Monarch

Published

12 months ago

September 15, 2023

The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, on Thursday, said the annual traditional festival of the town known as Igogo Festival would attract no less than 500,000 foreign and local tourists to Ondo State every year.

The first-class monarch noted that 500,000 tourists coming down to witness the annual festival would be of immense economic benefits to the ancient city and the state in general.

Oba Ogunoye stated this during a press conference on the 2023 Igogo Festival at his palace in Owo, Owo Local Government Area of the state.

The monarch, who mentioned that his reign had introduced some innovative measures to the annual Igogo Festival to attract tourists, expressed optimism that the festival would open wealth creation avenues, upscale the small-scale businesses of cloth weaving and artistries and promote general uplift of the socio-economic development of Owo.

He said, “As you are aware, Igogo Festival is the most celebrated in Owo Kingdom. Annually, its celebration comes with pumps and pageantry. Through the festival, we want to see this ancient town transformed into a hive of colourful activities that will attract tourists and bring economic fortunes to our domain.

“Our goal is to galvanise the festival to produce an economic impact of one billion dollars yearly. We are very serious about its effect and target. Talks are on with our diaspora sons and daughters to explore the low-hanging commercial fruit and advantages which the festival portends for the economic boom of our people.

“Under my watch, the Igogo Festival is to witness a rebirth in content and package to attract over 500,000 people yearly at its peak.

“It is my desire to give the Igogo Festival a 21st-century outlook by making its processes and activities richer. To this end, some complimentary events will be added to the 2024 Igogo Festival celebrations as they will be unveiled today.”

The Olowo explained that the Igogo Featival would from 2024 be embellished with Oroshen Beauty Pageant Competition where a queen would emerge and be given a handsome prize after a parade of beauties showcasing Owo food, clothes, hairdo and dancing steps.

According to him, the Igogo Festival Market had been added to the festival in the form of a trade fair. He explained that the market would afford individuals to exhibit assorted goods and services of the ancient town.

Oba Ogunoye also hinted that he had introduced Owaloko into the annual festival whereby the Olowo would be seated in his full royalty and splendour to relate with his subjects, visitors, tourists and well-wishers in an open place and the occasion would afford the monarch the opportunity to bless the people of Owo and thank all for participating in the festival.

He enjoined tourists from all over the world to feel free and enjoy the hospitality of the Owo people during the 17-day festival, which he described as the largest and oldest cultural festival in the history of Sub-Sahara Africa.

Related Topics:Featured Festivals Igogo festival Monarch

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Festivals

Durbar festival: key to cultural unity and economic growth in Ilorin

Published

4 hours ago

September 12, 2024

Lanre

The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union highlights the Durbar festival’s role in addressing cultural and social issues, promoting unity, and boosting the local economy.

The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) has emphasised the significance of the Durbar festival in Ilorin.

Alhaji AbdulMumini AbdulMalik, President of the union, revealed that the festival was introduced by the Emir of Ilorin as part of a cultural revival effort aimed at addressing both cultural and social issues.

Also read: Arochukwu kingdom prepares for unique 2024 Ikeji festival in September

The Durbar festival is designed to counteract the negative effects of external influences on local youth by fostering unity and encouraging positive social interactions.

It strengthens community bonds and supports the local economy, particularly in tourism and hospitality sectors.

By providing a cultural alternative to un-Islamic and traditional carnivals, the Durbar festival offers a constructive outlet for youth.

AbdulMalik also praised State Governor Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq for his development efforts, which are enhancing Ilorin’s status as a prominent state capital.

Festivals

Over 1,100 entries for 2024 Lagos international festival of animation

Published

3 days ago

September 9, 2024

Lanre

The 2024 Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA) will showcase over 1,100 entries from 112 countries. The festival, held from October 29 to 31, highlights global and African talent, with significant submissions from the US, Nigeria, and France.

The 2024 Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA) is set to feature an impressive 1,106 entries from 112 countries, marking its position as one of Africa’s premier animation festivals.

The festival will run from October 29 to 31 and promises to be a significant event for showcasing animation talent on a global scale.

Also read: Lagos shines at sango festival celebration in Oyo

The United States has led with the highest number of submissions, contributing 142 short films, while Nigeria tops the list of African countries with 28 entries.

South Africa follows with 19 submissions. In Europe, France leads with 62 entries, with the United Kingdom trailing with 46 submissions.

Festival founder and director Muyiwa Kayode expressed gratitude for the continued support of the Bank of Industry, which is sponsoring the event for the second consecutive year.

Kayode emphasized that this support highlights the bank’s recognition of the creative industry as a vital economic growth sector.

LIFANIMA, established in 2016, aims to promote African animation and is endorsed by the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB).

In collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Embassy of France in Nigeria, the festival covers various animation forms and visual effects, awarding entries in five categories: 2D animation, 3D animation, stop motion animation, visual effects, and animation commercials.

The festival will feature screenings of selected works, award presentations, networking opportunities, and entertainment.

As the second-largest animation film festival in Africa, LIFANIMA continues to play a crucial role in celebrating and advancing the animation industry on the continent.

Festivals

Arochukwu kingdom prepares for unique 2024 Ikeji festival in September

Published

6 days ago

September 6, 2024

Lanre

The Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, has announced that the 2024 Arochukwu New Yam Festival, also known as the Ikeji Festival, will take place this September. This year’s event promises to be uniquely different with a display of arts, culture, entertainment, traditional cuisines, and tourism activities.

The Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, has revealed that the 2024 Arochukwu New Yam Festival, also known as the Ikeji Festival, will be held this September.

Speaking during a global Zoom session, ‘Ububo Eze Aro n’Umu Aro’, with over 375 participants, the monarch stated that this year’s festival will feature a wide array of arts, culture, entertainment, and traditional cuisines, making it a uniquely exciting experience for all attendees.

Also read: Cross River State Priorities Agriculture at Leboku Yam Festival

Eze Dr Oji emphasised that the 2024 Ikeji Festival will stand out from previous years, with the reintroduction of traditional delicacies and classical activities that were popular in the past.

The festival will span four special days dedicated to welcoming visitors, friends, family, and tourists from around the world to celebrate in Arochukwu.

The monarch expressed his vision for transforming Arochukwu into a year-round tourism destination, attracting visitors every month with various cultural events.

He also highlighted efforts to ensure peace within the kingdom, positioning Arochukwu as not only a cultural hub but also an economic and industrial zone.

These initiatives are aimed at boosting tourism and making Arochukwu a key destination in Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscape.