Ojude Oba: The power of culture in fostering unity, economic growth By Dr O .E Bassey

On June 18, 2024, the media was abuzz with the historic celebration of the Ojude Oba festival with almost all Nigerians coming to appreciate the beauty of the culture on display. Though Yoruba culture, it all seemed not to matter as both the Igbos, Ibibios, the Hausa, the Efiks, at that moment forgot about tribes but celebrated a Nigerian culture as theirs.

For context, the annual Ojude Oba Festival is usually a vibrant celebration of Ijebu culture and tradition. The festival attracts thousands of participants and visitors who showcased elaborate traditional attires, captivating dances, music, and impressive equestrian displays.

Central to the festival’s enduring legacy is the Regberegbe system, a tradition of age-grade solidarity and mutual support. Historically rooted in communal labour practices, the Regberegbe has evolved into a symbol of community cooperation, fostering social bonds and collective responsibility. This unique social structure empowers individuals, and has contributed to the overall resilience and development of the Ijebu community for centuries.

This year’s Ojude Oba festival witnessed the participation of 90 Regberegbe groups, a significant increase from 76 in 2023. This surge indicates a rise in social cohesion, which is crucial in promoting unity and peaceful coexistence within the community.

In his message during the festival, Ladi Balogun, Group Chief Executive of FCMB Group Plc, noted that the festival attracts visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora, contributing to the growth of trade and tourism in Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria.

Also speaking was Adewale Adenugba, CEO of Blooms Hotel in Ijebu-Ode, who said, “The festival has significantly boosted business activities across Ijebuland over the years, coinciding with the Muslim Eid-el-Kabr celebration when many Ijebus and their friends return home. During this period, hotels in Ijebu-Ode and surrounding towns experience full occupancy, and relaxation centres also see increased activity. Artisans, traders, and vendors of various items, including festival paraphernalia, food, drinks, and transportation services, enjoy brisk business and substantial income.”

For years, the division and rivalry among tribes have been a major challenge the Nigerian society has had to contend with many resenting and having ill-will towards tribes they don’t belong to. But the Ojude Festival showed us that Nigerians are capable of embracing diverse cultures, seeing and appreciating the beauty and value in them without bringing any ethnic belonging into play. The festival demonstrates that cultural events can transcend tribal differences, fostering a sense of shared identity and mutual respect.

The success of this festival is one that there are plans underway by the Federal Government to list the festival as one backed by UNESCO. That speaks to the power of culture in promoting unity and facilitating social cohesion. By embracing such inclusive cultural celebrations on a national scale, Nigeria can strengthen its social fabric, promote national unity, and mitigate the tensions that arise from ethnic and religious divisions.

The economic impact of the Ojude Oba Festival is also another vital lesson for Nigeria. The festival attracts thousands of visitors, including tourists from across the country and abroad. This influx of visitors stimulates local businesses, from hospitality and transportation to artisans and vendors of traditional crafts. The festival’s economic benefits also extend beyond immediate spending as it promotes cultural tourism, enhances the region’s profile, and creates sustainable job opportunities.

By leveraging the economic potential of cultural festivals scattered across various tribes, Nigeria can further diversify its economy. Investing in cultural tourism infrastructure, promoting festivals nationally and internationally, and encouraging private sector participation can create a robust cultural tourism sector. This, in turn, can drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods across the country.

In a rapidly globalizing world, the Ojude Oba Festival stresses the importance of preserving and promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you accept or not, there is a risk out there of cultural erosion among the young generations as they are seen to adopt foreign cultures and values more than theirs. Festivals like Ojude Oba provide an opportunity to instil pride in cultural heritage, educate the youth about their traditions, and ensure the broad continuity of cultural practices and acceptance.

Culture can never be a disadvantage if we know how best to utilise it for the development and growth of our country. As a matter of fact, it holds the most potent key to unlocking a more united and prosperous future, for all and sundry.

Galatians 3:8: There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Meanwhile, I am delighted to inform you that come October, 1, 2024, we at NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary.

To this end is our campaign to spread the education of peace leadership to both the old as young, women and children in various places from corporate organisations, to political organizations, worship centers, educational institutions, markets and communities.

It is in our belief that the more educated the people are in respect to peace leadership, the more peaceful our country will become.

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Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Leadership, Conflict, Peace and Security Management Coach with decades of experience in the practice and promotion of Law Enforcement, Peace and Security through the Nigeria Police and the United Nations.

He has served and interacted at the top level management of the Nigeria Police as well as internationally as a United Nation’s Monitor/Mentor in Kosovo, Europe.

Ofonime is a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently a Professor of Leadership, Peace and Conflict Resolution with ICOF University, USA/Zambia and a Professor of Peace Education with Charismatic International University, Cameroon.

With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa, he is the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership.

Presently, he is spearheading a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders”, a campaign that is billed to run from 2022-2030 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.

For leadership, conflict, peace and security consultations and trainings, reach him via:

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Mail: emmanuelbassey@gmail.com