The Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival was declared open on Thursday, as the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, reaffirmed his commitment to the development and prosperity of the town.
The maiden edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival was held at the Ogunlola Hall, Ogbomoso.
Describing his 25-year development agenda as a divine assignment from God, Oba Olaoye emphasised that the carnival was conceived to unite the people and advance the region’s economy.
“This 25-year development agenda is a vision from God. It is not my personal agenda but what God wants to accomplish through us in Ogbomoso. Ignore any distractions; my focus remains solely on achieving this vision for development,” he said.
The Soun thanked the governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, for his support and also appreciated the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy for adopting the carnival as a recognised cultural event in the South-West.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, also commended the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival.
Musawa, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation, Hon. Abiola Abdulraheem, urged the Soun to sustain efforts to promote the region’s cultural heritage.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, praised the commitment of the Soun of Ogbomoso.
“This is my first time attending a cultural event in Ogbomosoland and I am thoroughly impressed,” he said.
Chairman of the Organising Committee of the carnival, Mr. Williams Adeleye, described the event as a milestone in the history of Ogbomosoland.
“The Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival is more than a celebration. It is a vision to unite us, boost economic development and position Ogbomosoland on the global cultural and tourism map,” he noted.
Attendees were treated to a showcase of the region’s rich cultural heritage, including local delicacies such as sakada and agbon, sapala, igbalo, ekuru and eko, amala and gbegiri.
The event was concluded with vibrant cultural displays, including performances by various masquerades.
The five-day carnival continues with a line up of activities aimed at celebrating the heritage of Ogbomosoland and attracting investment opportunities to the region.
Traditional rulers, high chiefs, government representatives and cultural enthusiasts were among the dignitaries present at the event.
