2024 WORLD SANGO FESTIVAL: OYO ALAAFIN SUSTAINS HER CULTURAL HERITAGE!
Graciously, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi’s dream of promoting and giving the Sango Festival a global status has seen the light of day, as it was recognised by UNESCO as a global heritage for the first time in 2024.
This epoch-making event was celebrated from 8th – 17th of August 2024.
I want to give special thanks to the efforts and support of President Tinubu-led administration and the Oyo State Government in achieving this jaw-dropping feat.
My sincere appreciation goes to Dr Paula Gomes, the Cultural Ambassador to the Alaafin, for assiduously working round the clock to ensure the sustenance of our cultural heritage. She played a pivotal role in sustaining and bringing to fruition the vision of the late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi regarding the Sango deity.
The event was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life:
Barrister Raheem Adebayo Lawal, the acting Governor of Oyo State;
Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Honourable Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy;
Lola Ade-John, Honourable Minister of Tourism;
The Oyo Mesi.
Ibiene Roberts Patricia, OON, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy;
Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism;
Katume B Gana, CEO, N.T
The Local Government chairmen of Atiba, Oyo West, Oyo East and Afijio;
Foreign dignitaries include but are not limited to:
Mr Paolu Santos, Portuguese Ambassador;
Joana Croc, Portuguese Consular;
Oba Ogunlana, Alase Ere Oduduwa, Ilesa Ire Florida, USA;
Officials from the University of Brazil;
Officials from a university in America;
Representatives of Yoruba Communities in Qatar, Cuba, etc.
Alh. Yusuff Akinade – Basorun of Oyo
©2024
