Ataoja , MTN , NIGERIA BREWERIES SEAMANS FLAG OFF OSUN OSOGBO FESTIVAL

The 2018 edition of the Annual Osun Osogbo festival was flagged off on Wednesday by its sponsors, Nigeria Brewries, Seamans Schnapps and MTN Nigeria, at the Ataoja’s Palace in Osogbo.

While speaking at the 2018 Osun Osogbo stakeholders press conference, the Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, commended the co-sponsors of the annual festival, saying visitors from across the world had started arriving for the annual cultural fiesta.

He said the festival attracts thousands of Osun worshippers, spectators and tourists from all over the world.

Speaking, the Chief festival consultant, Otunba Ayo Olumoko urged the Federal Government to focus more on culture and tourism as means to generate revenue with the dwindling oil revenues.

He said the two-week festival, currently underway in Osogbo, would climax on Friday with the cultural procession of the “Arugba’’ (river maiden) to the Osun Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Olumoko urged the incoming governor of Osun State to project culture and tourism as a means of wealth creation, creation of avenue for foreign exchange, employment generation and investment opportunities.

In an address, the Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigeria Breweries, Mr Kufre Ekanem read by Public Affairs manager, Mr Tayo Adelaja pledged the resolve of Nigeria Breweries to remain committed to championing causes that add value to the society.

On his part, the Regional Services Manager of MTN, Mr Bayo Onafuya said MTN’s support to Osun Osogbo festival with culture-fest is to create positive impact on the country’s social-cultural landscape.

In the same vein, the Area Sales Manager of West Central of Seamans Schnapp, Mr Dauda Abdul Rasaq, said his organization is committed to packaging the uniqueness of Osun-Osogbo festival to the advantage of Osun state and its people.

Mr Dauda says it has introduced social content into this year’s Osun-Osogbo festival to market the creative industry and create employment for artisans.

Osun-Osogbo Festival is celebrated annually in the month of August in the state capital.