Oyo youth Yoruba culture festival gains government backing, with support for endorsements, publicity, and youth engagement in cultural heritage

The Oyo State Government has pledged full support for initiatives aimed at promoting Yoruba cultural heritage, particularly among young people.

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The announcement was made in a statement by Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information.

Wasiu Olatubosun, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, made the commitment while receiving a delegation of the Itansan Arts Festival team during a courtesy visit to his office in Ibadan.

He described the festival as a laudable effort to celebrate Yoruba culture and honour the ancestors who shaped the present generation.

Olatubosun reaffirmed the state’s dedication to programmes that rekindle youths’ interest in culture and tradition, highlighting the role of festivals in preserving identity and promoting tourism.

He assured organisers of ministry support, including endorsement letters, attendance at the event, publicity before, during, and after the festival, and facilitation through relevant government agencies.

The Itansan Arts Festival, driven by young organisers committed to revitalising Yoruba culture, aims to engage youths with programmes tailored to their interests.

Adewumi Adekunle, Convener and Festival Director, said the courtesy visit was to seek government endorsement and formally introduce the maiden edition of the festival.

“The festival will place special emphasis on Yoruba ancestors. Over time, people have gradually distanced themselves from our cultural roots, and we want youths to learn about their heritage from a fresh perspective,” Adekunle said.

Scheduled for May 2026, the festival will feature an inter-school competition among secondary school students, where participants will present on Yoruba deities or traditions through visual arts, writing, and oratory.

Entries will be assessed based on creativity and relevance.

Other highlights include a stage play, “The Beacons of the Ancestors,” portraying present generations as the light of their forebears, and the launch of a book titled “Emissaries of the Gods,” showcasing Yoruba ancestors as cultural heroes.

Officials from the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism commended the initiative for partnering with the ministry to project its vision while actively engaging young people in cultural preservation.

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The festival complements the state government’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism and heritage appreciation.