The Oyo State Government reaffirms its commitment to cultural tourism with the upcoming Yemoja Ibadan Festival, set to honour the deity of motherhood.

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting culture and tourism as essential components of economic expansion.

At a press conference for the 2024 Yemoja Ibadan Festival, Wasiu Olatunbosun, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, outlined the festival’s significance and activities.

Scheduled to begin on 10 October 2024, the festival will last for 17 days, culminating in a grand finale on 27 October in the Popoyemoja area of Ibadan.

The Yemoja Festival aims to showcase, promote, and preserve the traditional heritage of the Yoruba people while honouring the deity Yemoja, who represents motherhood and fertility.

Olatunbosun highlighted the festival’s essence, stating that it pays tribute to Yemoja for her protective influence and support over generations.

The festival serves as a platform for various communities to come together in gratitude for Yemoja’s roles as a symbol of fertility, strength, and generosity.

Activities during the festival will include offerings to Yemoja, Sango, Orisa Aje, and Orisa Ogun, as well as performances and visits to motherless babies’ homes. A festival tour to the AfriChatta Film Village will also take place, adding to the festivities.

Omikunmi Egbelade, Aare Isese of Oyo State, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for his unwavering support for traditional practices and cultural promotion.

He praised the governor for declaring 20 August as a work-free day for Isese adherents, fostering unity among the diverse religious and cultural communities in Oyo State.

Egbelade urged the government to seek UNESCO recognition for the Yemoja Festival as a World Heritage Festival, which would further enhance its profile and significance.