The government of Ondo state has said it will continue to deploy tourism as a means of sustaining peace and boosting the economy of the state.
Making the remarks at the 2025 Igogo festival in Owo on Sunday, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa revealed that the state is endowed with rich cultural heritage, which positions it as one of the top tourist destinations in the country.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, said Igogo has proven to be a festival that unites the people of Owo and connects them to their history.
“This celebration is more than a display of tradition – it is a bridge between our glorious past and our present.
“By sustaining Igogo, the people of Owo continue to water the roots of their heritage, honour the memory of Queen Oronsen while projecting the values of love, unity, and respect she embodied” He said.
He disclosed that Igogo is one of five festivals across the state that have been designated as state festivals by his administration.
The governor reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to repositioning tourism, arts and the creative economy to drive sustainable development. He invited stakeholders in the ecosystem and multinationals to partner with his government to actualize the vision.
He congratulated the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadesin and the people of Owo for the successful hosting of the 2025 Igogo festival, promising his administration’s support to make it a global festival.
Speaking to journalists, the Olowo of Owo said Igogo, which is an annual festival, was instituted by the 9th Olowo over 600 years ago and, has since been expanding.
According to him, “Since my enthronement in 2019, I have made conscious effort towards making Igogo so attractive. For this year’s festival, we have cultural tourists and enthusiasts from around the world. From Australia to Canada, USA and the UK, a lot of people are here to celebrate with us”
Oba Gbadegesin thanked the state government for initiating a mutually beneficial relationship to expand the festival to boost the economy of the state. He appreciated Owo sons and daughters for their contributions to the successful hosting of the festival.
On his part, the state commissioner for culture and tourism, Afolabi Adesoji, thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for identifying tourism as one of the key drivers of economic growth under the ‘OUR EASE’ development agenda of his administration.
Igogo, celebrated every year by the Owo people in Ondo state, is a 17-day long festival that reaches the climax on Sunday with the king leading a possession to some strategic places and, performing some rites.
