The Federal Government (FG) has said that the importance of cultural heritage in shaping national identity and driving sustainable development, cannot be over-emphasized, pointing out that the country’s cultural heritage “isn’t only a source of pride but also a vital component of our creative economy, providing opportunities for economic growth, community development and tourism.”
In her remarks yesterday (Saturday, August 17) at the grand finale of the 2024 World Sango Festival in Oyo town, Oyo State, the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Mrs Hannatu Musawa, assured of the administration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
“The Tinubu-led administration is determined to support initiatives that protect people’s traditions, encourage cultural expressions, and harness the power of our heritage for the benefit of all Nigerians,” she said, adding that her ministry would continue to work with local communities, traditional leaders and international partners in line with its mandates.
Musawa stated that collaborations are needed to ensure that Nigeria’s cultural heritage thrives in the modern world through its contributions to peace, unity and sustainable development, noting that the 2024 edition of the World Sango Festival was the first since its recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisations (UNESCO) in December last year as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’.
“Its recognition by UNESCO is not just a milestone for Oyo State, the Yoruba people, and the Kingdom of Oyo, but a victory for the entire nation of Nigeria,” she said.
“It affirms my ministry’s commitment to the global significance of our rich traditions, our stories, our values and our way of life.
“This tells the world that the Sango Festival is not just an event, but a living testament to the vibrancy and resilience of our culture.”
She urged Nigerians to work together to preserve and promote the nation’s rich cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations are continually inspired, educated and uplifted.
In his own speech at the occasion, Oyo State Deputy Governor, Mr Bayo Lawal, said the government recognises and does not, in fact, cannot toy with culture and tourism in the State, disclosing that from its very inception, the Seyi Makinde Administration prioritised culture and tourism as vital ways of improving the state economy apart from promoting people’s cultural heritage.
Lawal said the government would continue to support the growth and development of all recognised festivals and culture of the people across the state.
The cultural ambassador to the Alaafin, Dr Paula Gomes, attributed UNESCO’s approval of the Sango festival to the tenacity of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi, saying, “The people are a creed that tells the past, relates with the present in order to prepare the future.”
“This phenomenon leads to the appraisal of the growth and development of this community in maintaining this rich cultural heritage,” Gomes enthused.
Among the highlights of the event were cultural dances and displays by various communities.
