2025 Egungun Festival: Makinde Reaffirms Commitment to Promotion of Culture as a Pillar For Economic Growth

According to the governor, expanding the scope of culture and promoting traditional heritage is key to boosting Oyo State’s cultural tourism potential and increasing internally generated revenue.

“The display of culture here today has been very amazing. From this event, we can see that the government is promoting culture and tourism, because both are intertwined. What we have seen here today is extremely interesting, with the massive turnout, and this is one of the ways to use culture and tourism to drive the economy.

“In other developed climes, culture is enough to expand the economy of a state and, as a government, we will work towards making the Egungun Festival generate revenue for the state. We must not allow our culture to go into extinction, and I am happy because it is not only the old people that are here today, we can also see our youths enjoying the moment. That is why we must continue to relive our culture,” Makinde said.

Highlighting the administration’s efforts to respect religious diversity, Makinde said the declaration of August 20 as Isese Day was a recognition of traditional worship, in line with the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom.

“This government has been very lenient with people practising whatever religion they want. We do things according to the law of the land; we will never go against it, ” Makinde reiterated.

Westernmirror.com.ng reports that this year’s edition of the Egungun Festival saw a significant international presence, with masquerades from Benin Republic and dignitaries from Ghana, Brazil, and Cuba in attendance.

Governor Makinde praised the festival’s growing global recognition and urged the organisers to enhance the festival’s economic prospects.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the 2025 World Egungun Festival, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the Maye of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Alabi, described the festival as a celebration of deep-rooted cultural and ancestral values. He offered prayers for the continuous progress and prosperity of Ibadanland and Oyo State.

Also speaking at the event, Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ojo Abiodun, and President of Oje Parapo Worldwide, Prince Adeola Adelakun, commended Governor Makinde’s proactive leadership in promoting Yoruba culture. They called on stakeholders to support the government’s efforts and disassociate the festival from societal vices.

Earlier, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for his consistent backing of cultural initiatives. He revealed that the state is working to enlist the Egungun Festival in UNESCO’s list of recognized cultural activities, a move he believes will elevate the festival to the global stage and enhance its economic impact.

“The Yoruba race is the custodian of culture,” Olatunbosun said, as he applauded all associations and individuals for their support.

The festival featured vibrant masquerade performances from across the South-West region and the Republic of Benin, drawing traditional rulers, religious leaders, diplomats, and other dignitaries to the colorful celebration.