We’re Ready For The World - Oyinlola

Tunde Oyekola, Osogbo - 30.08.2008

As the grand finale of 2008 Osun Osogbo festival took place yesterday, Osun State Government has expressed its readiness to host the next Conference of Black Nationalists across the world as part of its efforts at promoting culture and traditions.

Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, made the pledge yesterday while speaking at the annual Osun Osogbo festival.

In the same vein, the Managing Director, Intercontinental Distilleries, Lagos, Mr. Patrick Anegbe, and the Service Centre Controller, MTN, Ibadan, Mr. Bayo Onafuwa, noted that the participation of their organisations in the festival was to enhance culture.

Anegbe, who explained that his products were of international standard(s), maintained that the company's products such as Samba aromatic schnapps, ranked among the best.

According to Onafuwa and MTN’s Regional Marketing Manager, Ibandan, Mr. Olaolu Osundina, the telecommunication firm remained ahead of competition as a result of its services and products.

Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola noted that Osun State remained the repository of Yoruba culture and traditions through the promotion of the rich cultural heritage of the black race.

He said that the festival has provided opportunity to rejoice with the traditional ruler of Osogbo, Oba Iyiola Oyewale Matanmi III and the people of the community, adding that the state government in recognition of importance of the festival, had created a Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

He explained that the government would do all things within its power to maintain the infrastructure at the site, adding that the on-going Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding was nearing completion.

Governor Oyinlola admonished the people to disregard any information they might have heard on the establishment of the centre in Osogbo, calling on all stakeholders to join hands with the government on the development of the centre.

Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Alhaji Idi Hong, noted that foreigners and Nigerians were attaching great significance to Osun Osogbo festival, thus looking forward for its yearly celebration.

The traditional ruler of Osogbo, Oba Iyiola Oyewale Matanmi III had welcomed all participants and urged them to be peaceful and abide by the rules governing the festival.

A member of the board of UNESCO, Chief Jimoh Buraimo said Osun Osogbo festival was not only attached to Osun goddess but bringing people together from all over.

He therefore called on the federal government to revitalize all ailing public utilities located in Osogbo, saying “if they were well- managed, they would galvanize economic base of the state”.