The Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatubosun, on Monday led the ministry’s management team, alongside Permanent Secretary Rotimi Babalola, on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Oyo State Pacesetter Transport Services, Salami Oladeji Ibraheem.

During the visit, Olatubosun expressed appreciation for the transport company’s continued support, particularly its role in the successful hosting of the second edition of the World Egungun Festival last year.

He also commended Seyi Makinde for creating an enabling platform to project Yoruba cultural heritage to a global audience despite financial constraints.

The Commissioner acknowledged the contributions of partners and stakeholders, noting that the festival’s success was largely driven by collaboration. He added that recognition by UNESCO would mark a historic milestone, making it the first Ibadan-based festival to achieve such status in Oyo State.

Highlighting the purpose of the visit, Olatubosun stressed the need to maintain and improve the standards already established to ensure continued success in future editions. He revealed that no fewer than eight countries, including Gabon and Sierra Leone, as well as over fifteen international media organisations, have shown interest in the 2026 edition.

He therefore called for increased support from Pacesetter Transport Services, especially in providing logistics for guests and masquerades, while also offering branding opportunities for the company during the festival.

Also speaking, the Acting General Manager of the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Sikiru Adekunle Agboola, stated that the Adayeba Culture-Tourism Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry, is working to reshape the narrative around Yoruba heritage. He emphasised the need to preserve indigenous traditions, warning against cultural neglect, and noted how countries like El Salvador actively promote Yoruba culture.

As part of the visit, Dr Salami was presented with the 2025 World Egungun Festival Ambassador award, alongside a published report of the event, on behalf of the foundation.

In his response, Ibraheem commended the Ministry’s efforts in promoting cultural initiatives despite limited resources and pledged continued support for the 2026 festival. He assured that Pacesetter Transport Services would align with the Ministry’s plans to ensure another successful outing, while also expressing gratitude for the recognition. (Nigerian Tribune)