Emulate China, South Korea, Promote Culture With Technology, Gani Adams Tells FG

By Omidiran Seun

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land and National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, Iba Gani Adams, has urged the Federal Government to drive technological advancement while preserving and promoting Nigeria’s indigenous culture.

Adams gave the charge at the 2026 Osun-Osogbo International Festival in Osogbo, Osun State.

Flanked by traditional rulers, including the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Ipadeola Oluyooye, Adams said Nigeria should take a cue from countries like China, Singapore and South Korea, which have successfully balanced economic growth, technology and cultural identity.

According to him, indigenous culture remains the foundation of every tribe, regardless of religious belief.

“Whether you are a Christian or a Muslim, we must recognise that our indigenous culture and heritage are important. Our traditional heritage is our foundation; it is the beginning of our history. If you do not know where you are coming from, you may not know where you are going,” he said.

The promoter of the Olokun Festival Foundation described the Osun-Osogbo Festival as more than an annual cultural gathering, noting that it has the potential to become one of Nigeria’s biggest cultural tourism brands if given the right support.

He called on the Federal Government to partner with the Osun State Government, traditional institutions, host communities and private investors to develop the festival into a globally competitive tourism event.

Adams said just as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games help countries project their image globally, Nigeria can leverage cultural tourism to showcase its heritage and improve its international image.

He also charged organisers to inject innovation into the festival to keep it attractive for returning visitors.

“It cannot continue to have the same content every year. If we are having the same content, no matter how good the content is, people will not have a better experience within two or three years. They have to bring new innovations into the content and programme of the festival. They have to be creative so that the festival can look like a new festival and not a festival on repeat,” he said.

He highlighted the economic value of the festival, which attracts local and foreign visitors and creates business opportunities for traders, artisans, performers, transporters, hoteliers and other service providers.

He therefore called for increased investment in infrastructure, security, publicity, accommodation, transportation and other tourism facilities around the grove, as well as stronger support for local entrepreneurs.

Adams further advocated the integration of the Osun-Osogbo Festival into a broader tourism development plan for the state, linking it with other cultural and historical attractions in Osogbo, Ile-Ife and Ilesa.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the President of the Olokun Festival Foundation said the festival remains a vital platform for preserving and transmitting Yoruba culture to future generations. He described the Osun Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a priceless treasure that embodies Yoruba history, spirituality, music, dance, arts and identity.

He commended the Osun State Government, residents and traditional institutions for their continued support for the festival.

Meanwhile, Adams appealed for peace ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election.

Condemning political violence, he urged politicians, parties, supporters, INEC and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible poll.

“Power is transient. Power is momentary. We should not, because we are looking for power, kill a soul. We don’t need bloodshed in Yoruba land. We want a peaceful atmosphere for the election,” he said.

He noted that the credibility of the Osun election would have implications for public confidence in future elections in the country.

Adams concluded that the future of the Osun-Osogbo Festival depends on innovation, increased government involvement, private sector participation and global interest, adding that it should serve not only as a custodian of the past but as a platform for job creation, investment and cultural diplomacy.