WITH the ongoing preliminary programmes at Osogbo, Osun State, the activities lined upfor the 642 edition of the Osun Osogbo socio-cultural festival slated for August 13 to 24 are expect to light up the town as there are efforts by the festival committees, Infogem and government of the state to make the event a historic one.No doubt, this year's fiesta will attract international patronage as the state has not only made a mark through a recent tour of Cuba for an exchange of cultural ideas but also to uptrend the promotion of Osun Osogbo festival.The event, which will again record the presence of the custodian of the festival and Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, Olanipekun Laroye ll, will play host to visitors, tourists, investors, sons and daughters of Osogboland in Nigeria and in the diasporas to a plethora of activities.Speaking at the press conference, held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja Lagos, Oba Oyetunji, who made his first appearance since he ascended the throne of his ancestors, assured visitors of a swell time at this year's Osun Osogbo festival.'We are optimistic that with the level of preparation put in place by the festival committees, Ataoja Palace and the festival Marketing Consultant, Infogem ditto the supportive interest signified by the State Government, there will be more glamour to the event.The Ataoja thanked the corporate sponsors for their continuous sponsorship bid at adding uniqueness and flavour to the ambience of the event through their brand products and services.Speaking at the event the Chief festival Consultant and Managing Director of Infogem, Mr Ayo Olumoko said that the Osun Osogbo festival has gradually recorded newer corporate participation, which raises the marketing profile of the event.We are assuring spectators that this year's event will be another milestone at moving the festival to the next level as we have added new line of activities to our programmes.Aside the supportive participants and faithful returnees of our corporate sponsors there are indication of new players in the private sector sealing deals to join this year's sponsorship line up.We are positive that a new wind is blowing in this direction and also the trend of entertainment is changing too with the crop of musicians we are introducing this year, i hope we are going to bet the imagination of tourists and visitors to this year's fiesta.We know the modality of what our people want and we have directed our plan and preparation toward giving them the best in term of entertainment.Aside other plans put togehter to make this year's event grand, we are bringing crowd pulling music entertainers in like of Osupa, Saint Janet and other crowd pulling entertainment artistes.In addition, there is a preparation to activate the use of rail transportation from neighhbouring states and stops for visitors to Osogbo to enjoy the sight and sound of suburb and adjourning towns.Also the sponsors on their part have assured visitors of beautiful branded gifts and star prizes that go alongside different entertaining activities scheduled to for the viewing pleasure of tourists and visitors.Showing their commitment and interest at sustaining the practical effort geared at promoting the socio-cultural norms and values of the people of Osogboland, the sponsors, who spoke with one voice promised to continue to add glamour to the annual event through effective participation and branding of the different entertainment mapped out for visitors.However, activities for the 2012 Osun Osogbo festival will start with stakeholders' presentation forum in Osogbo on Thursday, August 9 and on the 10th, contestant will slug it out at the quarter final stage of the football competition and school debate.For Monday, August 13 to 18, the town will witness the Iwopopo (Traditional cleansing of the city) Iwopopo's convoy storm the town, school cultural competition final, festival art exhibition, Olojumerindinlogun (Lighting of the over 5000 years'' old 16 point lamp).Others include Knockout stage for football and school debate, FTAN Osun's Hospitality workshop and seminar and semi final stage for the football and school debate, while it end the week activities with Arugba's berth ANTP's performance nite.To usher in the grand finale (the procession to the grove for the cultural ritual) of the festival on August 24, activities lined up from August 18 to 25 include Iboriade (Ataoja crown's assemblage) and PMAN's performance day, Ayo olopon (traditional ayo game), festival film show at Ataoja palace 1, third place and final for football competition and school debate.The Susanne Wenger's Sacred Colloquium, Osogbo Ataoja's youth football competition final and final for the football and school debate, HIV/AIDS promotional campaign (WADEM), Sisi Osun cultural pageant and Asa musical concert, royal reception for sponsors and invited dignitaries at the palace's white house, while the Oroki day round off the event.
Click here to read full news..
