Say promotion of culture, tradition can boost regions’ economy

Ondo State Government has been urged to prioritise promotion of cultural festivals and traditional heritage sites in the state as a means of preserving the identity of the people and boosting the economy.

The call was made by speakers at the 2025 Okota Festival organised by the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF) in Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State. The speakers included Founder of OFF, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams; Chairman, Akoko Northwest Council of Obas, the Owa of Ogbagi, Oba Victor Adetona, and the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun.

They also called on state governments across the South-West region of the country to intensify efforts at developing and maintaining such heritage sites, which the Almighty God has blessed Yorubaland with.

In his address, Adams called on the Ondo State government to consider ways of promoting the Okota Festival and ensuring it is listed as one of the important festivals in Nigeria.

He said that with such efforts, the Okota River site would one day become a world-acclaimed cultural heritage site and a global tourism destination like the Osun-Osogbo.

Adams noted that Yorubaland was blessed with beautiful tourism and historical heritage sites that could boost its economic fortunes and serve as a catalyst towards the development of the various host communities, and the states.

He said that if the respective governments do the needful and develop the sites accordingly, they would in turn attract tourists from all over the world. He charged all traditional rulers in the state and across Yorubaland to step up their roles as custodians of Yoruba cultures and traditions.

The Aare Ona Kakanfo also appealed to all traditional rulers in Akoko land to rise to the occasion and join the train of prosperous people who promote and celebrate their deities and ancestors.

In his comment, the Owa of Ogbagi, Oba Adetona, disclosed that he had taken a cue from Iba Adams’ promotion of culture and tradition by also kick-starting the yearly celebration of a festival in his kingdom. He, however, pleaded for support of the Ondo State government to institutionalise the festival and sustain it for years.

In a similar vein, the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Olanipekun, called on the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led government and the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Adesoji Afolabi, to support traditional rulers in the state in promoting culture and tradition.

Oba Olanipekun also appealed to the state government to return to the old ways of providing financial and material support to traditional stools in the state, noting that some Obas were struggling with the huge financial burdens of office.

Earlier in his address, Chairman of the occasion, Ogunbi Abiodun, expressed delight at the successful organisation of the 2025 edition of the Okota Festival.

He pledged to host next year’s edition of the festival, and also tasked traditional rulers in Akokoland to keep praying for the progress of sons and daughters of the land.