The Ogun State Government has called on youths to play an active role in preserving the cultural heritage of the Owu people. This appeal was made by Governor Dapo Abiodun at the grand finale of the 2026 Odun Omo Olowu celebration in Abeokuta. The governor emphasized the need for deliberate efforts to preserve and promote Owu heritage. He urged sons and daughters of Owu, as well as residents, to translate cultural celebrations into practical actions that would sustain their traditions.
Governor Abiodun described the festival as a cherished tradition that celebrates the rich history, shared identity, and values of the Owu people. He noted that this year’s theme, “Awakening to Action: Strengthening the Owu Legacy,” provided an opportunity for cultural expression, community bonding, and tourism promotion. The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing the culture and tourism sector into a viable component of the state’s economy.
The governor’s administration has been investing in various sectors, including road infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, agriculture, technology, and urban renewal in Abeokuta. These investments aim to enhance Ogun State’s attractiveness to investors and tourists. Abiodun commended the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, the traditional council, and the festival planning committee for their commitment to sustaining the annual celebration.
Oba Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu, urged members of the Owu community to move beyond admiring their ancestral heritage and take practical steps to build on the foundations laid by previous generations. He encouraged his subjects to channel their renewed sense of community and cultural identity into productive enterprises and infrastructure development.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Chief Moruf Adenekan, highlighted that this year’s festival featured extensive community engagement, project inspections, and royal tours across Owu townships within and outside Abeokuta. Adenekan commended Oba Matemilola’s leadership, particularly his efforts towards unifying the 39 Owu communities spread across five states and the Republic of Benin.
The Ogun State Government’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting tourism is expected to generate employment, stimulate local businesses, and attract visitors. The government’s efforts aim to develop the culture and tourism sector into a viable component of the state’s economy. The festival provided a platform for cultural expression, community bonding, and tourism promotion.
The 2026 Odun Omo Olowu celebration concluded with a call to residents to renew their commitment to peaceful coexistence, community development, and the preservation of their cultural heritage. The event showcased the rich history and values of the Owu people, with stakeholders commending the efforts of the Olowu of Owu and the Ogun State Government in sustaining the annual celebration.
Key points
- Governor Dapo Abiodun urges youths to preserve Owu cultural heritage to promote tourism and economic development.
- The 2026 Odun Omo Olowu celebration featured extensive community engagement and project inspections across Owu townships.
- Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola commends efforts towards unifying the 39 Owu communities spread across five states and the Republic of Benin.
