The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has officially included the Sango Oyo Festival in the esteemed list of World Heritage Sites. This decision came during the 2023 18th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Oyo State, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, remarked that the achievement solidifies Oyo State’s position as a global giant in the tourism industry, showcasing its rich cultural heritage to the world.
Dr. Olatubosun revealed that the upcoming Sango Festival in Oyo Town, scheduled for August 2024, is anticipated to attract more than 2,000 international tourists from 167 countries associated with UNESCO. He said the recognition is a tremendous economic opportunity for the state, projecting unprecedented economic and hospitality growth.
The ongoing session, presided over by the Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Botswana to UNESCO, H.E. Mr. Mustaq Moorad, is being held in Kasane, Botswana, from Monday, December 4th, to Saturday, December 9th, 2023.
The Sango Oyo Festival, renowned for embodying the spirit of unity, tradition, resilience, and vibrant colours, is now officially part of the global cultural tapestry.
During the convention, the Cultural Ambassador to the Alaafin of Oyo, Dr. Paula Gomes, expressed appreciation for the committee’s acknowledgement of the Sango Festival nomination. She emphasised the profound significance of Sango to the Throne of Alaafin, the Yoruba Kingdom, and the global community at large, noting that the nomination process had spanned a decade.
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