The Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, on Monday led the management team of the Ministry, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Oyo State Pacesetter Transport Services, Hon. (Dr.) Salami Oladeji Ibraheem (Dikko).
Olatubosun appreciated the consistent support of the transport company towards the activities of the Ministry, particularly its contributions to the successful hosting of the second edition of the World Egungun Festival,last year.
The Commissioner also commended the support of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for providing a platform to showcase the richness of Yoruba culture to the global community, despite financial constraints.
He further acknowledged the contributions of partners and stakeholders, noting that the success of the World Egungun Festival is largely due to collaborative efforts.
He added that if the festival gains recognition from UNESCO, it will become the first Ibadan-based festival to achieve such a feat in the history of Oyo State.
Speaking on the purpose of the visit, Olatubosun emphasised the need to sustain and improve on the standard already set, in order to avoid any decline in subsequent editions.
He disclosed that about eight countries and over fifteen foreign media organisations, in addition to local media, have indicated interest in participating in the 2026 edition of the festival, including countries such as Gabon and Sierra Leone.
He therefore solicited increased support from Pacesetter Transport Services, especially in the area of transportation logistics for invited guests and masquerades.
The Commissioner also expressed willingness to accommodate branding opportunities for the company during the festival.
Also speaking, the Acting General Manager of the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Sikiru Adekunle Agboola, noted that the Adayeba Culture-Tourism Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry, is committed to reshaping the narrative around Yoruba cultural heritage.
He stressed the importance of preserving indigenous culture, warning that neglect could lead to a situation where original custodians appear disconnected from their traditions.
He referenced remarks about how countries like El Salvador actively promote Yoruba culture and traditions in their public spaces.
As part of the visit, an award of the 2025 World Egungun Festival Ambassador, along with a published report of the event, was presented to Dr. Salami on behalf of the Adayeba Culture-Tourism Foundation.
In his response, the Chairman, Hon. (Dr.) Salami Oladeji Ibraheem (Dikko) congratulated the Ministry’s management team and commended their efforts in promoting the policies and programmes of the present administration through cultural initiatives.
He described their work as commendable, especially in the face of limited resources.
He pledged his organisation’s support for the 2026 edition of the festival and assured that Pacesetter Transport Services would align its plans with those of the Ministry to ensure a successful outing.
He also expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed on him.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
