The Osun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting tourism and cultural heritage through the 2025 Extravaganza and Mega Expo held at Osogbo Grammar School on Wednesday.
The event, organised as part of the ongoing activities leading to the Osun Osogbo Festival grand finale, brought together cultural stakeholders, youth groups, tourism advocates, and state officials for a vibrant celebration of Osun’s rich traditions.
Declaring the program open, the Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ojo Abiodun Bankole, conveyed the goodwill message of Governor Ademola Adeleke to participants and visitors. He emphasised the government’s efforts to expand and market Osun’s cultural identity on both national and global stages.
“We are here to promote, propagate, and market Osun tourism,” Bankole said. “Osun tourism is about what we have, how we do it, and how we develop our culture. Holding this during the Osun Osogbo Festival ,a UNESCO-recognised heritage site, highlights our readiness to create an enabling environment with improved infrastructure like good roads, water supply, and medical facilities.”
He called on private individuals, investors, and cultural stakeholders to partner with the government to build a more sustainable and inclusive tourism sector, particularly by engaging the youth.
“We believe the future of culture rests on our young people. If we don’t expose them to our traditions, they may disappear. Youths are creative, vibrant, and they must be involved for cultural continuity,” the commissioner added.
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Osun State Tourism Board, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ajayi, noted that the program was designed to boost the visibility of Osun’s culture and showcase the critical role of young people in preserving heritage.
“We want to show the world that Osun is a leading state in cultural tourism. This expo gives us the opportunity to present our youth as culture bearers and ensure they are integrated into practices that will keep our traditions alive,” she said.
Ajayi explained that although the Extravaganza and Expo is distinct from the Osun Osogbo Festival, it was strategically held alongside it to give visitors a richer cultural experience and to engage them meaningfully before the festival’s grand finale.
One of the major highlights of the event was a quiz competition on culture, where Fanowopo Restoration, a student from the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, emerged as the winner. In recognition of his knowledge and passion for culture, he was honoured with the title of Ambassador of Culture and Tourism at the event.
Representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Culture and Tourism were also present, signalling inter-state collaboration in cultural development. The program ended with traditional dance performances and widespread celebration among participants and guests.
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