Oyo Govt Inaugurates Year 2024 World Sango Festival Committee

Oyo State Government has inaugurated a ten-man organizing committee ahead of the 2024 World Sango festival coming up in August at Oyo town .

Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in the state, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun , emphasised the need for the committee to ensure the festival meets global standards, saying this would assist in attracting international audiences.

He admonished the committee to accord Sango worshippers they will be interacting with necessary respect while embarking on the assignment given to them .

He appreciated the efforts and contributions of Mr. Emmanuel Odekanyin, of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO Division) and International Cultural Relations Department, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Desk, and Dr. Paula Gomez, the Cultural Ambassador to Alaafin of Oyo in securing UNESCO’s approval for the World Sango Festival last year.

Olatubosun urged the committee to show respect to the memory of the founder of Sango promotion, Duro Ladipo, by incorporating his family members in their activities.

The committee , which comprises of relevant stakeholders and officials of the Ministry is headed by the general manager of the Cultural Center, Ibadan, Chief Mrs Olayinka Adedeji, co-chaired by Dr Gomes.

Part of the task before the committee includes securing sponsorships, promoting the festival locally and within UNESCO member countries, finding a safe and appropriate venue, and identifying cost-effective solutions that enhance the festival’s value.

The festival will be a week long and some of the activities to be carried out include; symposium , Sango performances, entertainment and parades.

Recall that UNESCO recognition and inscription of the Sango Oyo Festival in the lists of World Heritage has ranked Oyo State as a giant in the tourism industry.

The festival is expected to attract over 15,000 local and international tourists.