Abuja - Oke Badan, the age-long festival of unity celebrated annually by Ibadan indigenes in Oyo State, has received a major boost after Nigeria’s national
carrier, Globacom, confirmed sponsorship.
Globacom Zonal Business Coordinator (West), Mr Dare Oyewale, said the company was proud to associate with the festival because it served as a reminder of the historical antecedents of Ibadan people.
"This collaboration with the Ibadan people will further strengthen the festival and turn it to a world-class event which will attract tourists from across the world," said Oyewale.
“It is our belief that this partnership will further foster a symbiotic relationship which will bring immense benefits to both Globacom and Ibadanland,” he said.
He described the festival as a social pot where all divergent issues affecting the lives of the people in the community were melted.
"It is where the sons and daughters of Ibadanland both home and abroad consider themselves as brothers and sisters as well as a cornerstone for the development of the community socially, politically and economically," Oyewale added.
The Chief Operating Officer of Kingsize Entertainment, which is packaging the festival, Lanre Alabi, said the festival was to commemorate the protection and blessings which the founders of Ibadanland received from the hills during internecine wars with other communities in Yorubaland.
The festival, he added, was also to pray for future blessings upon the community, foster peace and mutual cooperation among the indigenes and their guests as well as set the pace for healthy re-unions.
According to the Aboke of Ibadanland, who is the direct custodian of the festival, Chief Ifasola Ifamapowa, Oke Badan is celebrated in commemoration of the life and times of one of the forebears of Ibadanland, Lagelu, as well as the noble roles of the early rulers of Ibadan including Labosinde, Maye, Oluyole, Oderinlo, Opeagbe, Oluyedun and Lakanle.
Globacom Zonal Business Coordinator (West), Mr Dare Oyewale, said the company was proud to associate with the festival because it served as a reminder of the historical antecedents of Ibadan people.
"This collaboration with the Ibadan people will further strengthen the festival and turn it to a world-class event which will attract tourists from across the world," said Oyewale.
“It is our belief that this partnership will further foster a symbiotic relationship which will bring immense benefits to both Globacom and Ibadanland,” he said.
He described the festival as a social pot where all divergent issues affecting the lives of the people in the community were melted.
"It is where the sons and daughters of Ibadanland both home and abroad consider themselves as brothers and sisters as well as a cornerstone for the development of the community socially, politically and economically," Oyewale added.
The Chief Operating Officer of Kingsize Entertainment, which is packaging the festival, Lanre Alabi, said the festival was to commemorate the protection and blessings which the founders of Ibadanland received from the hills during internecine wars with other communities in Yorubaland.
The festival, he added, was also to pray for future blessings upon the community, foster peace and mutual cooperation among the indigenes and their guests as well as set the pace for healthy re-unions.
According to the Aboke of Ibadanland, who is the direct custodian of the festival, Chief Ifasola Ifamapowa, Oke Badan is celebrated in commemoration of the life and times of one of the forebears of Ibadanland, Lagelu, as well as the noble roles of the early rulers of Ibadan including Labosinde, Maye, Oluyole, Oderinlo, Opeagbe, Oluyedun and Lakanle.
Ibadan unity festival secures sponsorship