By Toba Adedeji
The State Government of Osun has commenced accreditation exercise for delegates from the State to participate in Oyotunji-Nigeria cultural heritage festival in United State Of America in October 2017.
The preparation for the festival had been at the top gear following the official letter issued by the State government confirming her support for 2017 Oyotunji festival.
According to the formal letter sighted by our correspondent, the festival is slated to kick off on the 27th October 2017 with the arrival of the state delegates on the same date.
The Ambassador of Oyotunji festival, Mr. Rotimi Vaughan speaking to OSUN DEFENDER at the Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Osogbo, Osun State, the venue of the accreditation, said, the Oyotunji-Nigeria Cultural heritage festival coming up in African Village Sheldon, South Carolina, USA is what we are preparing for and the principal partner of the programme is the State of Osun.
“We have our corporate sponsors, culture enthusiasts and individuals who will pay the bills of those delegates.
Oyotunji festival, he said, is to create cultural revolution in America, a lot of African-Americans are basically ignorant as to their root but this festival would encourage these people to come back to Nigeria to develop our economy.
Vaughan stated that the state government has agreed to work expeditiously with the organizers in ensuring that delegates which will be led by Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, Hon. (Mrs.) Taiwo Oluga, are well catered for.
According to him, Osun is wonderfully blessed with historical ecotourism, festivals and historical cultural heritage, stressing that the participation of the state in the cultural programme will eventually attract more tourists to Osun, especially the Afro-Americans who desire to connect with their roots.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Taiwo Oluga who has earlier presented an official letter confirming the support and participation of the state, explained that the approved delegates include stakeholders and cultural performers are expected to display outstanding cultural performances thereby showcasing the unique and rich culture of Osun.
She added that the state government remains committed to the development of Culture and Tourism with the hope of getting alternative income to boost the economy of the state.
“It is interesting that our culture is being promoted and celebrated in far away America. Our state participation will enhance robust bilateral cultural relations.”
“Tourism is a great tool to combat poverty and government is aware that tourism thrives when there is conducive and secured environment. Hence the government investment in good road network, security of lives and properties, rehabilitation and upgrading of existing sites, beautification of cities, creating new socio cultural entertainment parks among others” She stated.
