Posted by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the leader of the Senate, has made a plea to all levels of government, particularly the federal government, to establish strong partnerships with states so that investments can be made in the nation’s huge and rich cultural potentials to boost the economy.
According to Bamidele, governments’ diversification into the growth of the arts, culture, and tourism has the potential to revive the nation’s economy and provide solid alternatives to oil and gas in the economic hierarchy.
The federal senator characterized the Ado Ekiti people’s Udiroko cultural festival as a symbol of unity and a celebration of their rich, colorful culture and priceless history that merits being given national status and recognition.
Nevertheless, the senator who represents the Ekiti Central Senatorial District congratulated HRM Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe (Aladesanmi III), the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, on the 2023 Udiroko festival, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 27, 2023.
Senator Bamidele warned that if the industry is not given the proper attention it needs, the nation will continue to lose significant amounts of its available resources.
“Nigeria boasts more than 250 ethnic nations, each with a rich and important culture and heritage, but due to inadequate investment and the wrong economic focus, these resources are mostly unexplored.
“The right investments and partnerships with the private sector are required for the federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to establish a strong relationship with the 36 states of the federation and fully tap their potential,” he said.
Regarding the importance of the Udiroko annual celebration to the continued existence of the Ado Ekiti people, Bamidele lauded the kingdom for holding culture and custom in high respect despite being a metropolis and the seat of the government of Ekiti State.
As a result, the Senate Majority Leader found it comforting that the cultural fiesta had been maintained over many years as a sign of respect for the people’s customs and cultures.
“Let me extend my congratulations to Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, our royal father and the personification of culture and tradition, for bringing flamboyance to our annual festival through personal sacrifices, vision, and collaboration with the corporate sector to make the event a household name.
“I make an appeal to the residents of the Ado metropolis to embrace the vision and strive tirelessly to uphold the celebration’s core values, which were to foster community, growth, and patriotism among Ado Ekiti natives.
“I beg the security agencies to ensure that there is warranted security across the state to protect the revelers, visitors, and investors who will be coming to Ekiti to witness the iconic festival,” the speaker said.