OSOGBO — Stakeholders at the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Cultural Festival have called on the Federal Government to take a more active role in promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage and developing cultural tourism as a major contributor to the nation’s economy.
The week-long events culminated in a grand ceremony at the Osun Grove on Wednesday, drawing a massive crowd that stood shoulder to shoulder. Traditionalists spoke glowingly of Osun as a healer and giver of children, among other attributes.
Speaking at the grand finale, President of the Odua Peoples Congress and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, said Nigeria and Africa could not afford to neglect their indigenous culture while pursuing technological and economic development.
He noted that countries such as China, Singapore and South Korea had shown how nations could combine development, innovation and cultural identity to achieve global relevance.
“Whether you are a Christian or a Muslim, we must recognise that our indigenous culture and heritage are important. Our traditional heritage is part of who we are,” he said.
“Our traditional heritage is our foundation; it is the beginning of our history. If you do not know where you are coming from, you may not know where you are going.”
He described the Osun-Osogbo Festival as more than an annual cultural gathering, saying it had the potential to become one of Nigeria’s strongest cultural tourism brands.
He urged the Federal Government to “key into” the festival and support efforts to transform it into a truly global event.
He argued that while international sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games promote countries through sports tourism, Nigeria could similarly project its image through cultural tourism.
According to him, the international community should be given more opportunities to see Nigeria through its rich cultural traditions rather than through negative reports often associated with the country.
He called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government, Osun State Government, traditional institutions, the host community and private-sector investors to expand the festival and maximise its economic potential.
He also urged organisers to introduce fresh ideas each year.
“It cannot continue to be having the same content every year. If we are having the same content, no matter how good the content is, people will not have a better experience within two or three years. Let them bring new innovations into the content and programme of the festival. They have to be creative so that the festival can look like a new festival and not a festival on repeat,” he said.
In his welcome address, the President of the Oloko Festival Foundation described the Osun-Osogbo Festival as a living expression of Yoruba history, traditions, spirituality, music, dance, arts and storytelling.
He said the festival provides an opportunity for the people to renew their connection with their heritage, pass traditional knowledge to younger generations and promote cultural exchange.
He noted that the Osun Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains a significant cultural and spiritual treasure that embodies the history and identity of the Yoruba people.
The foundation also highlighted the economic importance of the festival, saying it attracts visitors from across Nigeria and other countries and creates opportunities for local businesses, artisans, performers, traders and tourism operators. It called for increased government and private-sector investment in infrastructure, security, publicity and tourism facilities around the festival, and for stronger support for local entrepreneurs.
He urged authorities to integrate the festival into broader state and national tourism strategies by marketing it alongside other cultural and natural attractions in Osun State, including sites in Osogbo, Ile-Ife and Ilesa.
The foundation expressed appreciation to the Osun State Government for investment in infrastructure, security, tourism promotion and the development of cultural sites, and acknowledged the role of the traditional institution and the royal leadership of Osogbo in sustaining the celebration. The event was graced by Oba Peter Ipadeoola Oluyoye, the Olufon of Ifon.
On the forthcoming governorship election, the cultural advocate appealed to politicians, the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to ensure the August 15, 2026 poll is peaceful, credible and conducted on a level playing field.
“Power is transient. Power is momentary. We should not, because we are looking for power, kill a soul,” he said.
“I will appeal to them that the election should be peaceful. We don’t need bloodshed in Yoruba land. We want a peaceful atmosphere for the election.”
He also urged INEC to conduct the election transparently, stressing that the credibility of the process would have implications for public confidence in subsequent general elections.
He concluded that the future of the Osun-Osogbo Festival depends on innovation, stronger government involvement and greater participation from the private sector and international tourism community.
“The 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival should therefore serve not only as a celebration of Yoruba heritage but also as a platform for tourism, employment, investment, cultural exchange and national image-building.”
