May 27, (THEWILL) — FCMB Group Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving cultural heritage and supporting the economic ecosystems that grow around enduring cultural institutions, describing the Ojude Oba festival as a powerful platform for unity, enterprise, identity, and socio-economic development.
This year’s festival, themed “Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona,” will be held on May 29 in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Speaking during a press conference ahead of the festival, FCMB’s Divisional Head of Corporate Affairs, Diran Olojo, said Ojude Oba continues to represent the enduring spirit of the Ijebu people while evolving into a globally recognised cultural and economic platform.
“For more than 20 years, FCMB has stood with the people of Ijebuland in support of Ojude Oba because the festival reflects values that resonate strongly with us — identity, community, enterprise, and continuity,” Olojo said.
“What began as a traditional homage to the Awujale has evolved into a unifying cultural institution that brings together families, age groups, professionals, business leaders, government, the diaspora, and younger generations. Strong communities build strong institutions, and preserving shared heritage helps create the social foundation for growth and progress.”
According to him, this year’s edition also provides an opportunity to honour the enduring legacy of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, whose reign elevated Ojude Oba into one of Nigeria’s most respected and internationally recognised cultural festivals.
FCMB also commended the Regent Awujale and Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Olorogun (Dr.) Sonny Kuku, for sustaining the cultural vision and legacy of the revered monarch. The Group further acknowledged the Ogun State Government, the Ojude Oba Festival Organising Committee, community leaders, and the wider Ijebu community for their continued commitment to preserving and advancing the festival.
Beyond its cultural significance, FCMB highlighted Ojude Oba’s growing economic impact, noting that the festival contributes meaningfully to tourism, hospitality, transportation, fashion, entertainment, media, trade, and local commerce.
According to the Group, the festival continues to create opportunities for artisans, creatives, vendors, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, while projecting Ogun State and Nigeria in a positive light to global audiences.
“Ojude Oba presents a compelling story about Nigeria — a story rooted in organisation, confidence, enterprise, heritage and community,” Olojo added.
Chairman of the Ojude Oba Festival Organising Committee, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, commended corporate organisations, including FCMB, for sustaining the festival and supporting its continued growth.
“Ojude Oba remains a powerful example of religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, communal harmony, and enterprise,” he said. “It is one of the Ijebu nation’s greatest cultural contributions to Nigeria and the world. This year’s edition will feature nearly ninety male and female age groups, alongside twenty-five warrior families showcasing their horse-riding traditions.”
Sam Diala is a Bloomberg Certified Financial Journalist with over a decade of experience in reporting Business and Economy. He is Business Editor at THEWILL Newspaper, and believes that work, not wishes, creates wealth.
