In a plea to government at all levels, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader, has emphasized the need for strong partnerships between the federal government and states to invest in Nigeria’s vast and rich cultural potential. Senator Bamidele believes that diversifying into the development of arts, culture, and tourism could not only strengthen the economy but also provide viable alternatives to the oil and gas sectors.
One cultural festival that Senator Bamidele highlights as deserving national recognition is the Udiroko festival of the Ado Ekiti people. This festival serves as a symbol of unity and celebrates the region’s rich and vibrant culture and valuable heritage.
Senator Bamidele, who represents the Ekiti Central Senatorial District, extends his congratulations to HRM Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe(Aladesanmi III), the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, on the upcoming 2023 Udiroko festival scheduled for Sunday, August 27, 2023.
In a statement released on Saturday, Senator Bamidele emphasizes that Nigeria stands to lose significant resources if the cultural sector continues to be neglected. He asserts that Nigeria boasts a rich and diverse culture and tradition across its 250 ethnic nationalities, but these remain largely untapped due to insufficient investment and economic focus.
Senator Bamidele calls upon the federal government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to establish a robust relationship with all 36 states of the federation to fully harness the cultural potential. He emphasizes that achieving this objective will require substantial investment and partnerships with the private sector.
Concerning the Udiroko festival’s significance for the Ado Ekiti people, Senator Bamidele commends the community for prioritizing culture and tradition, despite being a metropolis and the capital city of Ekiti State.
He acknowledges the sustained nature of this cultural celebration over many centuries and recognizes the efforts of Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, the embodiment of culture and tradition, in elevating the festival to national stardom through personal sacrifices, vision, and partnerships with the private sector.
Senator Bamidele urges the people of Ado Ekiti to embrace and actively contribute to the vision of the festival, which aims to promote unity, development, and patriotism among indigenes. Furthermore, he appeals to the security agencies to ensure the provision of robust security measures throughout the state to safeguard the celebrants, tourists, and potential investors attending this iconic festival.
