Ahead of the 2024 World Sango Festival in Oyo State, the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in the state, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, on Tuesday inaugurated a ten-man organising committee.

In his opening remarks, the commissioner acknowledged the contributions of two key individuals: Mr. Emmanuel Odekanyin, who represented the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO Division) and International Cultural Relations Department, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Desk, and Dr. Paula Gomez, the Cultural Ambassador to Alaafin of Oyo.

He expressed his appreciation for their effort in securing UNESCO’s approval for the World Sango Festival last year.

Recall that UNESCO recognition and inscription of the Sango Oyo Festival in the lists of World Heritage has ranked Oyo State as a giant in the tourism industry.

The next Sango Festival in Oyo Town, which will be held in August 2024, is expected to attract over 15,000 local and international tourists.

Olatubosun urged the committee to show respect to the memory of the founder of Sango promotion, Duro Ladipo, by including his family members in the planning process. He also emphasised the importance of attracting international audience by ensuring the festival meets international standards.

He also counseled them to accord great respect to the Sango worshippers they will be interacting with and respect their culture.

The committee is headed by the general manager of the Cultural Center, Ibadan, Chief Mrs Olayinka Adedeji, co-chaired by Dr Gomez. The committee comprises stakeholders and officials of the ministry.

The commissioner tasked the committee with securing sponsorships, promoting the festival locally and within UNESCO member countries, finding a safe and appropriate venue, and identifying cost-effective solutions that enhance the festival’s value.

The festival will be a week long and some of the activities to be carried out include; a symposium with a distinguished speaker, various Sango performances, entertainment and parades.