Society that fails to uphold it's cultural heritage is of no Value.......PS.
By Adebayo Olajide
Ogunsemoyin who was represented by the Director culture, Mr Abdul Babalola made this known during the celebration of Odun Oba at the palace of His Royal Majesty, oba Osho Adeniyi, the Obanla of Ijesa isu Ekiti.
He emphasized that it's high time we valued what we have as a people and to make use of it in building our State economy in a way that would meet up with international standard.
The Permanent Secretary also said that cultural heritage was now a business in the international market and that all hands must be on deck to promote and showcase our cultural heritage for the people of the world to see and to invest in it for socio-economic development.
Ogunsemoyin, while calling on the sons and daughters of Ijesa isu Ekiti to be united and make the celebration more colourful next year also called on the people of Ekiti to work in accord and showcase cultural activities in every town and village across the State.
The PS explained that the purpose of Government presence was to document the festival and promote it globally in order to enhance recognition and economic relevance.
He however implored Ekiti people to move beyond religion and value their culture that could aid the growth of their community.
The PS appreciated the acting chairman of Kajola LCDA, Hon. Ojo Adebayo Ajayi for his efforts towards bringing the team to the celebration of Odun Oba and called on other well-meaning individuals in each towns and villages in Ekiti to work out the modalities on how their cultural festival would be given a needed publicity towards enhancement and promotion Tourism assets..
Earlier, the traditional ruler Oba Gabriel Oso Adeniyi Ojikutu ll, Obanla of Ijesa Isu Ekiti, appreciated Ekiti State Government for taking interest in the values of Ekiti , described it as a right decision that would promote the yearning of Ekiti communities and then called on the government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji led Administration to project Ekiti culture across the globe.
Oba Adeniyi said the time has come to show the beauty of our culture in Ekiti and appealed to the people of the community to always support and appreciate whatever would develop the LCDA and the town in particular.
In addition, the Kabiyesi disclosed that the festival marks the first day of the year for the sons and daughters of Ijesa isu Ekiti, and called on the people of the town to celebrate peacefully and avoid any act that could mar the joy of the festival.
He advised the people of the community to continue living in harmony without giving rooms for crisis. Furthermore, he pray for the people as he used to do annually.
"Odun Oba festival will last for nine days with unique celebration that brings together the people of the community.
In his own contribution the Ekiti State formal Deputy governor high Chief Paul Alabi described the turn out to this celebration as a result of unity and harmony reigning within the town, and advised the people to keep the flag flying.
The celebration of Odun Oba festival is fantabulous with the turn out of troup and the stakeholders in White uniform
and the Chiefs that apeared in Ankara uniform rejoicing together, also the age groups that are in different attire dancing in series to their traditional drums". He said.
The Ijesa Isu Ekiti annual festival started with Idagba and ended with Ebo-Odun.
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