The Oyo State Government is set to celebrate the Yemoja Festival 2024 from October 10 to 27. The festival will showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage and boost the economy through cultural tourism, with events promoting unity and cultural exchange among the Yoruba people and the diaspora.

The Oyo State Government has announced its readiness to celebrate the annual Yemoja Festival, which will run from October 10 to October 27, 2024, at Popoyemoja in Ibadan.

The festival promises to highlight the state’s rich cultural heritage and strengthen its economy through cultural tourism.

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Speaking at a press conference at the Council for Arts and Culture in Ibadan, the State Commissioner for Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatubosun, shared details of the festival.

He described the Yemoja Festival as a key event in the state’s cultural tourism agenda under Governor Seyi Makinde’s Omituntun 2.0 initiative.

The festival will draw participants from Yoruba-speaking states and the diaspora, promoting cultural exchange and community unity.

“This festival is not just a celebration; it is an opportunity to showcase our rich heritage and strengthen our economy through cultural tourism,” Olatubosun said.

He emphasised that the festival honours the role of mothers in society and will feature various activities, including traditional rites, cultural performances, and community gatherings.

One of the festival’s major attractions will be the Effigy of Ogunieki, a statue depicting a mother breastfeeding her child, symbolising the strength and legacy of motherhood.

The 17-day celebration aims to reinforce Oyo State’s position as a hub for cultural tourism and heritage preservation.

Olatubosun called on both residents and visitors to join in celebrating the spirit of Yemoja and the values she represents.

Baale Omikunmi Egbelade, who was also present, underscored the festival’s importance in boosting the state’s economy. He urged Yoruba people to return to their cultural values and uphold the legacies of their forefathers.

The Yemoja Festival is expected to draw wide attention, making it one of the most significant cultural events in the region.