Mohammed Shosanya
The Oyo state government plans to set aside a day in the year for a uniform celebration of Egungun Festival.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun,who disclosed this on Thursday when met Egungun Worshipers (Alagbaas) and other stakeholders in the state,explained that the new move is part of the present administration’s bid to set the tone for harnessing tourism and culture in Oyo Sunder Omituntun 2.0.
Dr. Olatubosun said tourism has become a focal point of Governor Seyi Makinde’s Omituntun 2.0 agenda.
He said that the grand Egungun Carnival will herald the commencement of various Egungun Festivals across Oyo State.
He explained that a unified date for this cultural festival would further promote the State’s culture and boost the tourism potentials of the State, by bringing tourists from all over the world to witness the festival.
The display by the various Egungun Worshipers would make the celebrations more attractive to the tourists,he said.
He added:“Oyo State being a Pacesetter State, would be hitting the ground running on this dignified cultural propagation and promotion, thus writing history for others to follow.”
The ‘Alagbaas’ in their response, unanimously agreed with the idea,promising to work in synergy with the Ministry to make the concept a success.
They also promised to rally their members to give unwavering support towards achieving the desirable outcome.