The Oyo State Government has pledged to promote the annual twins festival in Igboora, aiming to secure UNESCO cultural heritage status.
Gov. Seyi Makinde made this promise during the 2024 World Twins Festival, held at Methodist Grammar School, Igbo Ora.
Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, at the event themed “Twinning for Love, Unity and National Economic Reorientation,” highlighted the festival’s uniqueness and importance to Ibarapa land in particular and Oyo State in general.
He said that the government plans to expand the state’s economy through tourism, developing necessary infrastructure to support the festival’s growth.
Makinde urged parents of twins and multiple births to provide proper care and guidance, enabling them to achieve their life goals.
Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, disclosed that the festival’s incorporation of twins from all geopolitical zones is targeted at the Guinness World Records and UNESCO intangible cultural heritage listing, pointing out that the festival has always promoted culture and tourism in the state.
Olatunbosun encouraged Ibarapa residents to embrace the event and welcome participants from all Nigerian states.
The celebration featured various attractions, including twins’ statue unveiling, twins’ parade, twins’ talent show and twins’ appellation.(NAN)
