Olojo Festival: Cultural Values Central to Human Development – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has described culture and traditional as major factors that should be used by Nigerians to define their identity and their development.

He spoke at the 2019 edition of the Olojo Festival, the cultural celebration of the Ife people in Osun State, at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

Represented by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, the President said the importance of cultural values should not be overemphasized towards guaranteeing development.

Saying that his administration has been making frantic efforts to support the diverse cultural values of Nigerians, he said the people should also focus on the values to use it for human and economic development.

Governor of Osun, Mr Gboyega Oyetola said the celebration was a way of showcasing the culture of the Yoruba race to the whole world.

Represented by his deputy, Gboyega Alabi, the governor said, his administration is committed to ensure that people of the state use culture to design the development of the state.

He said the administration would continue to support the promotion of culture and traditional and showcase it for the whole world.

The Arole Obatala Agbaye, Oba Olaolu Dada, said, the significance of the celebration was to promote peace and tranquility in Ifeland and the entire Yorubaland.

Also, the President, Ife Development Board, Chief Olajire Awowoyin said, the festival was also a celebration of the creation of the world, but not worshipping of idols.

According to him, the government and the people should do more in celebrating the Yoruba culture and heritage with a view to making it acceptable to the whole world.

Dignitaries at the celebration were, the Obi of Awka in Anambra State, Eze Austin Ngwu; Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun; Wife of the former Governor of Ogun, Mrs Funsho Amosun; Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, traditionalists and tourists among others.

Some of the highlight of the event were the wearing of Aare Crown by the Ooni to Okemogun, homages by various traditional chiefs and cultural groups, cultural dance and many others.