Soun sets to leverage Cradles Cultural Carnival for development of Ogbomosoland

By Kunle Sanni

The Soun of Ogbomoso, Ghandi Olaoye, has unveiled a 25-year blueprint aimed at the development of Ogbomosoland and the preservation of its cultural heritage.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at a dinner event to unveil the logo for the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, Olaoye announced the formation of various committees to actualize his long-term vision for the town.

The Cradles Carnival, scheduled to take place from December 19 to 24, 2024, is a key part of this vision, aimed at harnessing and showcasing the rich culture of Ogbomosoland.

“I have established various committees to oversee the implementation of our 25-year development plan—one that the Lord has bestowed upon us. Our goal is to make Ogbomoso a standout, not just in the southwest, but across Nigeria. We envision it becoming a model town, leading in progress and innovation. The carnival is one of the avenues to highlight our culture and spur development in Ogbomosoland,” said Olaoye.

He called on the people of Ogbomosoland to come together and show genuine love for their town, urging them to contribute to the town’s growth and development.

“To achieve this, it’s crucial that the indigenous people embrace their town with love and pride. I believe this is the foundation for meaningful growth. Just as people love their churches and communities, we must foster the same affection for our town and its leadership.

“We cannot solely depend on the government. While the government will play a significant role, much of the effort must come from us. It is time for us to unite, roll up our sleeves, and work together to develop our town. Though the task may seem daunting, with collective effort, we will succeed,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Carnival Organizing Committee and former Special Assistant on Media to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Williams Adeleye, emphasized the potential of the carnival to elevate Ogbomoso into a world-class tourist destination by showcasing its cultural heritage.

“From December 19 to 24, we will proudly exhibit the rich cultural heritage of Ogbomosoland.

“I would like to commend our king for this remarkable initiative. Thanks to this effort, we no longer need to travel elsewhere to relax—Ogbomoso will soon become a prime tourist destination. I also encourage those interested in investing in agro-business or the hospitality sector to act swiftly, as there is already significant demand for land,” said Adeleye.