Ojude Oba festival
[SPECIAL REPORT]
Unity in Diversity
Tourism in Nigeria centres largely on events, due to the
country's diverse ethnic groups. The annual Ijebus’ is a perfect
example of unity reigning supreme among the citizens of
Nigeria. Typically held on the third day after Eid-el Kabir,
the Ojude Oba festival is a unique celebration that unites
people of diff erent faiths, irrespective of its origins in Islam.
Another example of spreading the goodwill of tourism
to Nigeria is the Awujale Palace Extension. International
visitors are a fi xture at the Palace, sampling the delights
of the spectacular displays that prove Nigeria to be a place
of joy, glamour and dance. Importantly, the organisers are
also ensuring the festival’s sustainability with the youth
participation.
One stop that everyone must make is to Ore. It's probably
one of the most strategic towns in the entire country and
played a key role in the Nigerian Civil War. But Ore is even
more famous for something else — the food! Every bus
leaving Lagos, whether going North or South must stop at
Ore. In fact, the local economy of Ore is heavily dependent
on these tourist quick stops.
And when it comes to festivals, Nigeria is not lacking.
From the Argungu Fishing Festival to Osun Osogbo Festival,
Abuja Carnival, Calabar Christmas Carnival, Cross Rivers
State Carnival, Eyo Festival, Igue Festival, Ojude Oba
Festival, Badagry Festival, Durba Festival, almost every state
in the country hosts one or another festivals round the year.
Durba Festival
Argungu Fishing Festival
Rural over Urban
Since Nigerian culture is the driving force behind
tourism, the local council and the people are at the
grassroots of Nigeria’s tourist ecosystem. It explains why
at most festivals, be them Christian or Islamic, the urban
regions are always deserted for the rural celebrations.
Each local cultural society aims to preserve and
enhance their unique cultural heritage, natural landscape,
and biodiversity through partnership with all the
stakeholders in the development of culture and tourism.
Since tourism is related to entertainment, there has
been a deliberate policy to harness and develop the
talents of young Nigerians. Towards this end, the state
governments’ entertainment and talent development
departments offers logistic support for events and
promotions.
44 • Nigeria-India• 2018