August 9, 2024.
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Ogbomoshola Committee for Culture and Tourism has announced the official dates for the maiden edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival.
The Committee led by Prince Williams Adeleye, as the Chairman said the carnival is scheduled to take place in Ogbomoso from December 19 – 23, 2024.
According to Adeleye who was former media Adviser to President Muhammad Buhari said the festivity is part of His Imperial Majesty Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye Orumogege III’s effort and 25-year development plan to foster the economy of Ogbomosholand and also promote the rich Yoruba culture.
According to him, “Ogbomosoland, a conglomeration of over 1,000 communities spanning five local government areas, is renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, diverse cultural traditions, and thriving tourism potential. The people are endowed with a vibrant cultural heritage, including ancient palaces, shrines, cultural festivals, deities, masquerades, and a variety of traditional cuisine.
“We are now working towards rejuvenating the cultural heritage and showcasing it to the world, with the intent of promoting peace, creating jobs, and developing the city economically,” said Prince Adeleye.
In his statements, Adeleye disclosed that Ogbomoso-born international artiste, Mr. Alexander Akande Abolore, popularly known as 9ice, will officially be unveiled as the face of the festival.
He also outlined the activities which includes the display of Egungun during the festive days, the Odun Oole Oba (a traditional cuisine festival), the Oba Ghandi Golf tournament, a masquerade parade, traditional cuisine displays, stage plays, musical concerts, among others.
“The committee has been working closely with traditional rulers, local stakeholders, and the Federal and state governments to ensure the success of the maiden edition and subsequent editions of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival.
“Many countries, including the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda, have thrived on tourism. And we are aligning with the position of the federal and state governments in promoting domestic tourism, arts, and Culture,” Prince Adeleye added.
The Ogbomosho Cradles Carnival is expected to attract thousands of tourists and cultural enthusiasts around the world to experience the vibrant rich Yoruba culture and traditions in Ogbomosho land.
