Oyo State Acting Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, has declared that the administration of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde is prepared to strengthen the promotion of culture and tourism to achieve his vision for an expanded and diversified economy in the state.

Barr. Lawal stated this on Saturday at the closing ceremony of the 2024 World Sango Festival held at the Festival Arena, Alafin Oyo, Oyo, Oyo State, noting that the designation of the festival as a UNESCO Heritage was a great achievement for the state.

He maintained that the state government would continue to support religious harmony and peace as well as promote tradition and cultural heritage that bind the people together.

According to him, the Sango Festival will continue to gain recognition because culture and tourism are intertwined and related, explaining that though Sango is a Yoruba god and the traditional worship of the god is part of Yoruba culture, the tourism value of the festival cannot be overstated.

He said: “I am delighted because today’s event is a fulfillment of the promises that Governor Makinde made in 2023 when we were campaigning for a second term in office.

“Wherever we went, he gave committed assurances that our culture would be lifted to higher heights. And today’s event is the manifestation of that commitment. So, I am happy.

“Again, I need to remind us that we also made a commitment that, like many other religions in Nigeria, we would declare the Isese Day and I am happy we have fulfilled that promise. Indeed, next Tuesday, August 20, has been declared as Isese Day and a holiday has been declared to that effect.

“Today’s event is to mark the World Sango Festival. As you know that Sango is and was one of our leading spiritual gods. He was an Alaafin in Oyo Kingdom and he became a god, who is being worshipped by many adherents to date.

That has become an important part of our culture.“But, fundamentally, you will agree with me that culture and tourism are intertwined and interrelated and what we are doing today is an encapsulation of culture and tourism. The benefit of this event is that it adds more to our revenue generation drive; adds fun to our environment and tells us about history and our culture.

“We are happy that UNESCO has recognised the Sango Festival as part of the heritage that must be protected and observed. And, to this end, Oyo State will lend stronger support to that recognition. Whatever is required to lift this culture higher, the Governor Makinde-led administration is ever prepared to do it.”