…Grand Finale Holds On August 21
Osun Osogbo Festival advisory committee has concluded plans to list the cultural fiesta on Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).
The Committee has also considered introducing other activities and upgrading the grove in order to enrich tourists’ experience during this year festival, which holds between 10 and 21 August.
Official Festival Consultant of Osun Osogbo Festival, Ayo Olumoko gave this hint at a press conference held in Lagos during the week while unveiling the festival programmes for this year.
“The festival is Nigerian product which generates revenue, and which other festivals look up to as a yardstick to develop. If our cultures are well developed, tourists will be attracted and by this we will have more players,” Olumoko said.
Olumoko said it has become necessary to list the festival on NSE because of its “consistency”.
The festival has been celebrated every year for more than 60 decades.
Olumoko, who is also the Managing Director, INFOGEM Limited, added that there is a move to open a beer village at the venue for the relaxation of tourists.
According to him, various sponsors who have been co-opted in the celebration of the Festival are gearing up to make the occasion an eventful and memorable one.
The two-week long cultural fiesta will commence with traditional cleansing of the town called ‘IWOPOPO’ which would be followed by the lightening of the 642-year-old points lamp.
This will be followed by ‘IBORIADE’, the assemblage of all the crowns of the past rulers for the blessings, four days after.
The festival grand finale will showcase the cultural procession of the people to the Osun Groove.
The selected sponsors for this year are the Nigerian Brewery Plc, Grand Oak Ltd, KASAPREKO, Iinstitute of Directors and others.
The Festival always associates with sponsors of proven record and brands that are consistent, said Olumoko.
Corporate Communication Manager, Nigerian Brewery Plc, Patrick Olowokemi said his organisation would set up a beer village in Osogbo with a view to boosting entertainment and trade in the town.