The Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, led the management team of the Ministry on a courtesy call to the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Oyo State chapter, in respect of the 2026 World Egungun Festival.
Olatubosun expressed gratitude for the role played by the union during the previous edition of the festival, which earned them an award at the end of the event. The union was commended for its level of commitment in mobilising its members despite the short notice. While soliciting for their maximum participation again this year, the Commissioner assured them that the festival would not come to an abrupt end even after he leaves office.
Also lending his voice was the Acting General Manager of the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. S.A. Agboola, who appreciated the management of the union for coordinating its members across the state. He said, “What you did as a union by attending the programme last year as grandparents who would speak about our cultural heritage was geared towards ensuring our culture does not go into extinction.”
In view of this, Agboola solicited their support again and assured them of a conducive environment and a more enjoyable festival this year.
At the end of the discussions, an award of the 2025 World Egungun Festival Ambassador was presented to the pensioners in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the success of the 2025 edition.
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In his remarks, the Oyo State General Secretary of the union, who also doubles as the Public Relations Officer (PRO), South-West, Comrade Dr. Olusegun Abatan, commended the Commissioner for his dedication and commitment to the promotion of Yoruba heritage. He advocated for the promotion of traditional worship, saying, “I love everything about our cultural heritage, but for Western education and our religions.”
On behalf of the union, Abatan pledged continuous support to the initiative beyond 2026. As part of their engagement this year, he disclosed that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasidi Ladoja (Arusa I), will appear in the same uniform with the pensioners, being part of them and also promised to bring a masquerade to perform at this year’s festival.
“Do not be discouraged by last year’s shortcomings,” he told the management.
The Oyo State chairman of the union, Mr. James Ayoade Owonikoko, commended Dr. Olatubosun as a committed officer in the present administration.
He promised the full support of the Oyo State chapter of the Nigerian union of pensioners and prayed for the success of the programme.
In his response, the General Manager of Pensioners FM, Dr. Babatunde Tiamiyu, assured the team that the station would be fully involved in the promotion of the event before, during, and after the festival.
