By Femi Adewale
The Soun of Ogbomoso, Ghandi Olaoye, says he has developed a blueprint for a 25-year vision towards the development of Ogbomosho and the culture of the people.
Olaoye, who stated this in Abuja on Thursday at a dinner to unveil the logo for the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, said he has already set up different committees to actualise his vision for Ogbomosho.
He said the Cradles Carnival, which comes up between 19th and 24th December, 2024, is part of his vision to harness and showcase the cultures of Ogbomosoland.
He said, “I have established various committees to oversee the development of our 25-year vision—one that the Lord has bestowed upon us. Our goal is to make Ogbomosho stand out, not just in the southwest but across Nigeria. We aim for it to be a model town, leading in progress and innovation. The carnival is one of the ways we can showcase our culture and bring development to Ogbomoso land. “
The Soun appealed to the people of Ogbomosoland to exhibit genuine love for the town by coming together to join him in developing the ancient city,
“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 love for our town and its leadership.
“We cannot solely rely on the government. While the government will contribute significantly, much of the effort will 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 Organising Committee and former Special Assistant on Media to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Williams Adeleye, said that Ogbomoso is inching towards becoming a world-class tourist destination, because the carnival is a veritable platform to exhibit the town’s rich cultural heritage.
“From December 19 to 24, we will showcase the rich cultural heritage of Ogbomoso land.
“I would like to thank our king for this remarkable local initiative. Through this singular effort, we no longer need to travel elsewhere to relax—Ogbomosho 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 a high demand for land,” he said.
