An international cultural institute known as Oranyan World Heritage Centre and Institute is to be established in Oyo town as part of efforts to promote Yoruba culture and tourism in Oyo State and the country in general.
The centre is to be executed by a foreign based association, the Oyo State Progressive Association of North America Incorporated (OPANA -INC).
A prominent Yoruba son, who is also a retired Archbishop of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu disclosed this in Oyo town yesterday at a press conference to herald celebration of this year’s Oranyan festival in commemoration of the town’s progenitor.
Archbishop Ladigbolu, who spoke on behalf of the festival Central committee, thanked the state government for its support for this year’s festival, pointing out that the gesture will serve as a booster for lovers of tradition and culture.
According to him, the festival will apart from showcasing the rich and unique culture of Yoruba, also expose tourist sites in the town to boost its economy.
He emphasized that such sites to be showcased during the weeklong event include Oranyan shrines at Agbakin and Ajiroba in the town, Oodua shrine at Baba Iyaji also in the town; Sango Shrines at Koso, Sogidi stream at Awe, Agidan Mysterious Hill of the gods as well as the leather works centres and the Aso Oke weaving centres.