The government of Oyo state has disclosed plans to celebrate one of Nigeria’s Theatre icons, Late Chief Duro Ladipo in commemoration of his immense contributions to the development of the industry in the country on its maiden world Isese Day and Sango Festival.
The state government stated that part of the plans for the events to mark the World Sango Festival, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will celebrate an icon of theatre, Duro Ladipo with a symposium to be held at his Bode Wasimi residence in Ibadan on Tuesday, 13 August 2024 titled “Sango’s Heritage: The Duro Ladipo Theatrics”.
The state government equally disclosed that all plans have been concluded to host the maiden annual Isese Day and celebration of Sango Festival across all the geopolitical zones of the state with the grand finale billed to hold at the Lean Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
Oyo state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun disclosed this to newsmen at a press briefing held on Sunday, August 11, at the Cultural Center, Ibadan.
Recall that the Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in a bid to showcase, promote, develop and preserve the heritage of the State had in 2023 declared August 20 every year a public holiday set aside for the celebration of Isese Day.
Dr Olatubosun said in his address that the state government is collaborating with the traditional adherents in the State to celebrate the maiden 2024 Isese Festival.
Consequently, a steering committee for the successful implementation of the event has been drawn from the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Industry and the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and its agencies, the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Oyo State House of Assembly.
“The Isese Festival this year will be celebrated in all zones of Oyo State on the following days:
10 August, 2024 – Oke-Ogun Zone
12 August, 2024 – Ogbomoso Zone
14 August, 2024 – Ibarapa Zone
16 August, 2024 – Oyo Zone
The Grand Finale will be held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan on the 20 August, 2024, where all traditionalists will converge to pray for peace, unity and stability for Oyo State, and Nigeria.
“Also, this year’s World Sango Festival celebration will be celebrated in grand style in Oyo Zone from 8-17 August 2024. Recall that the festival was recently approved for inclusion in the UNESCO Representative List for Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
“As part of the events to mark the World Sango Festival, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will celebrate an icon of theatre, Duro Ladipo with a symposium to be held at his Bode Wasimi residence in Ibadan on Tuesday, 13 August 2024 titled “Sango’s Heritage: The Duro Ladipo Theatrics”. to celebrate His popular work “Oba Koso” . The Festival will run from Thursday, 8 to Saturday. 17 August, 2024 at Aafin Oyo, Oyo Town from 10 am daily.
“The 2024 World Sango Festival is being organised by a Steering Committee from both the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Industry and the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism and its agencies, the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Oyo State House of Assembly. Other members of the committee are, Dr Paula Gomes, Cultural Ambassador, Local Government representatives, community representatives and Sango devotees.
“Participants expected at this year’s World Sango Festival will include envoys from Portugal, Cuba, Brazil, Spain and other diplomatic communities from the diaspora.
“The festival will feature performances, exhibitions of arts and crafts as well as other cultural products and indigenous cuisines.
“The Ministry of Culture and Tourism invites the general public to come see and enjoy Oyo State – a tourist destination for all.” Dr Olatubosun said.