The annual Ojude Oba Festival, a vibrant showcase of Ijebu culture and tradition, recently concluded with resounding success. Thousands of participants and visitors adorned in elaborate traditional attire, captivated audiences with dances, music, and impressive equestrian displays. The festival underscored the economic potential of cultural traditions by empowering local businesses, service providers, artists, and artisans across Ogun, Lagos, and other states in South West Nigeria.
Ogun State Governor, Adedapo Abiodun, MFR, emphasized the festival’s potential for economic and social development through tourism. He committed to elevating the Ojude Oba Festival to a global stage, envisioning its recognition on the international tourism calendar and support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
A key element of the festival’s legacy is the Regberegbe system, a tradition of age-grade solidarity and mutual support. Originating from communal labor practices, Regberegbe has evolved into a symbol of community cooperation, fostering social bonds and collective responsibility. This unique social structure empowers individuals and has significantly contributed to the resilience and development of the Ijebu community for centuries.
FCMB Group Plc, a major sponsor of the Ojude Oba Festival, acknowledges its substantial contribution to social cohesion and development. By celebrating shared cultural heritage, promoting unity among diverse groups, and strengthening community bonds, the festival fosters a conducive environment for socioeconomic growth.
Ladi Balogun, Group Chief Executive of FCMB Group Plc, highlighted in his goodwill message that the festival attracts visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora, boosting trade and tourism in Ijebuland, Ogun State, and Nigeria. He encouraged the Ijebu people to embrace the festival’s spirit of togetherness and use it as a catalyst for further development and inspiration for younger generations.
This year’s Ojude Oba Festival saw the participation of 90 Regberegbe groups, a significant increase from 76 in 2023. This surge reflects a rise in social cohesion, essential for promoting unity and peaceful coexistence within the community.
Adewale Adenugba, CEO of Blooms Hotel in Ijebu-Ode, spoke on the festival’s economic impact: “The festival has significantly boosted business activities across Ijebuland over the years, coinciding with the Muslim Eid-el-Kabr celebration when many Ijebus and their friends return home. Hotels in Ijebu-Ode and surrounding towns experience full occupancy, and relaxation centers see increased activity. Artisans, traders, and vendors of various items, including festival paraphernalia, food, drinks, and transportation services, enjoy brisk business and substantial income. Aggregating these, the festival generates billions in revenue, benefiting not only Ijebu-Ode and Ogun State but also Nigeria. I urge the government to leverage this platform to further promote tourism.”
FCMB Group Plc, a steadfast supporter of the Ojude Oba Festival for over 20 years, is committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable growth within its communities by building a supportive ecosystem connecting people, capital, and markets across Africa.