The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to advancing Nigeria’s culture and tourism, highlighting the administration’s commitment to fostering unity and peace through cultural inclusivity.
Tunji-Ojo made this assertion over the weekend during the centenary celebration of the Okeagbe community in Ondo State.
He noted that the recent rebranding of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy demonstrates President Tinubu’s focus on strengthening Nigeria’s cultural identity while leveraging economic opportunities within the creative industry.
“The ministry’s target is to foster culture and inclusivity by celebrating Nigeria’s diverse identity and empowering economic opportunities through the creative industries,” Tunji-Ojo said. “The rebranded Ministry of Creative Economy and Tourism has been living up to expectations, with the Federal Executive Council (FEC) also endorsing the creative industry’s growth.”
The Minister also lauded the transformative leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, acknowledging his significant contributions to the state’s development.
“Our President is committed to promoting culture and tourism,” Tunji-Ojo affirmed. “I congratulate the people of Okeagbe on 100 years of unification, harmony, and coexistence, and I look forward to the next century of progress and prosperity.”
He expressed gratitude for his appointment as Minister of Interior, attributing it to President Tinubu’s emphasis on inclusivity and merit.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Rasheed Badmus, called on the Okeagbe community to continue fostering peace and unity, stressing the vital role of traditional rulers in preserving cultural heritage.
“We are happy that there is peace everywhere in Ondo State,” Aiyedatiwa said. “For instance, from Ikare to Arigidi to Okeagbe, peace has prevailed. The four traditional rulers here live in harmony, and we encourage them to continue in this spirit.
“The Ondo State government values our traditional leaders. Once there is peace among them, it becomes easier to promote our culture. We have reached out to our traditional rulers to keep showcasing the unique cultures of their communities.”
Speaking on behalf of the community’s traditional rulers, the Ajana of Afa Okeagbe, Oba Folorunsho Arasanyin, commended both Minister Tunji-Ojo and Governor Aiyedatiwa for their leadership. He reaffirmed the traditional rulers’ commitment to maintaining peace and nurturing cultural pride within the Okeagbe community.
