Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde aims to promote the Igbo-Ora Festival of Twins to gain World Heritage Site status, boosting local tourism.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed optimism about promoting the Igbo-Ora Festival of Twins and Multiple Births as part of his administration’s strategy to enhance the state’s economy through tourism.

Speaking at the annual World Twins Festival, themed ‘Twinning for Love, Unity and National Economic Reorientation’, held at the Methodist Grammar School in Igbo-Ora, Makinde highlighted the festival’s significance to both Ibarapaland and Oyo State.

Represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, the governor pledged his administration’s continued support for the festival, recognising its unique appeal and importance.

He stated, “What we are doing today is something that is worth celebrating. You can see that we have a lot of people who came here from far and wide for this event.”

His commitment includes improving facilities and creating an enabling environment to attract more investors and enhance tourism in the state.

The Olu of Igbo Ora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye, commended Governor Makinde for promoting the festival as a cultural platform and an opportunity for economic expansion. He emphasised the need for collaboration and support to elevate the festival’s profile.

Wasiu Olatunbosun, Oyo State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, highlighted the festival’s uniqueness, noting its inclusive nature that welcomes twins from all geopolitical zones in the state.

He announced ambitions to enter the Guinness Book of World Records and secure UNESCO recognition as an intangible cultural heritage.

Olatunbosun urged the residents of Ibarapaland to embrace the festival and extend their hospitality to visitors from across Nigeria.

The festival’s initiators, Ambassador Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for his passion for creative cultural ventures and tourism.

They provided empirical evidence supporting Oyo State’s claim as the World Centre of Multiple Births, citing Oyo Town, Oko Town—where the first triplets were born—and Igbo-Ora, known as the Land of Twins.

The Moshood twin brothers shared their unique experience at the festival, stating, “We feel blessed to be born together and this is our first time visiting Igbo-Ora for the festival.

We will never miss any edition.” Similarly, Taiwo and Kehinde Oladapo, twin sisters from Igbo-Ora, praised the organisers for hosting such an inclusive celebration.

The festival featured several highlights, including the unveiling of a twins statue at the Igbotikale Roundabout, a Twins Parade, a talent show, and various appellations celebrating twins.

The event brought together twins from various states, further enriching Oyo State’s cultural landscape and enhancing its appeal as a tourism destination.