The indigenous financial institution, the First City Monument Bank FCMB) owned by Otunba Micheal Olasubomi Balogun, has stated that the institution’s commitment to the annual Ojude-Oba festival remains unshakable.
The bank, in a congratulatory message read to the public by its representative, Mr Louis Ibe, on the 2022 Ojude-Oba Press conference in Ijebu-Ode, pointed out that the institution was proud to be associated with the values it promoted.
FCMB has been a key supporter of Ojude-Oba festival for more than a decade and the bank is proud to be associated with the festival.
The bank believes that the Ojude-Oba Festival has been a major unifying factor for the great people of Ijebuland for about two centuries, and that it is an avenue for promoting the rich Ijebu cultural heritage and its brands to the global stage.
The message read thus: “It is heart-warming that the festival is holding again after two years of absence due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we all missed the camaraderie and excitement offered by this colourful initiative since the last edition in 2019.
“The Ojude Oba Festival is more than an event for all true sons and daughters of Ijebuland. It has become a
long-standing yearly tradition we look forward to as a unifying factor.
“For over a century, this Festival has
amplified and promoted our rich cultural legacy. The display of the rich heritage of Ijebuland as showcased by the various age groups (Regbe regbes), family
groups, and other cultural activities embodies the spirit of the Ojude Oba Festival.
“These age-long traditions have continued to inspire generations and attract tourists from across the globe and Ijebu indigenes in the diaspora, boosting trade and the hospitality sector in Ogun State and Nigeria. The festival also remains a unique platform for home-based Ijebus to promote their wares to a broad range of visitors, thus contributing significantly to economic growth and development.
“FCMB has been a major supporter of the Ojude Oba Festival for almost two decades, and it has been a mutually beneficial journey. As a purpose beyond profit corporation, we understand that culture is an essential component of sustainable development. It is an important factor in building social inclusion, eradicating poverty and stimulating progress.
“FCMB is committed to the longevity of the festival and is proud to be associated with the values it promotes”.
Speaking earlier, the coordinator of the festival, Dr Fassy Yusuf, said that the annual celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Ijebu people had “undoubtedly over the years impacted on the socio-economic development of Ijebu land”.
Yusuf stated that Ojude Oba festival is not only for merrymaking or display of exquisite fabrics but also a veritable platform to reunite with family members, associates and rally support for self help projects that are geared towards developing Ijebuland.
He said that the people of Ijebuland could not wait to celebrate this year’s Ojude Oba Festival which had for two years, been suspended, owing to the hazards of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yusuf also declared that GovernorBabajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State is the special guest of honour for this year’s festival.
Sanwo-Olu would be joining the league of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Aliko Dangote, among other eminent Nigerians, that had once graced the cultural festival.
