The 2025 edition of the renowned Ojude Oba festival, held in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, unfolded in vibrant splendour on Sunday, once again backed by long-time sponsor Globacom. Marking two decades of continuous support for the event, the telecommunications giant elevated its contribution this year by giving out brand-new cars, tricycles, power generators, and other impactful gifts to attendees, while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Ijebu people.
Dignitaries and Traditional Displays Take Centre Stage
The event attracted key political and cultural figures including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy Hannatu Musa-Musawa, and the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Olorogun Sunny Kuku. As always, the festival served as a canvas for cultural expression, featuring a captivating parade by nearly 100 Regberegbe groups—age-grade societies known for their coordinated appearances, traditional attire, and spirited dancing.
Balogun family contingents also showcased their traditional horse-riding prowess, galloping with flair through the streets in a symbolic act of homage to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, following the Eid celebrations.
Messages of Unity and Cultural Preservation
Governor Abiodun praised the Awujale’s reign of over 60 years as a model of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the development of Ijebuland and Ogun State at large. Minister Musa-Musawa echoed the sentiment, describing Ojude Oba as “a shining testament to the richness of our cultural diversity and the resilience of our traditional institutions.”
The festival, she added, is more than a celebration—it is a generational bridge that keeps history alive through communal participation and storytelling.
Globacom Deepens Its Commitment to the Community
Celebrating its 20th year as title sponsor, Globacom used the occasion to reward Ijebu residents and festival participants. As part of its community outreach, the company distributed premium Basmati rice to all Regberegbe groups and held raffles and award presentations for outstanding individuals.
Two brand-new cars were awarded to deserving members of the Ijebu community. One recipient, 52-year-old Opeoluwa Osisanwo—a member of Egbe Tobalase Okunrin and Secretary of the festival’s planning committee—was chosen by community nomination for his consistent contributions and leadership. “I never knew people were watching me,” Osisanwo remarked emotionally. “I was just serving my land of birth to the best of my ability.”
The second car winner, Idowu Olabisi, a trader from Ijebu Igbo, expressed astonishment and gratitude upon receiving her prize, describing it as a “spectacular Eid gift” she never saw coming.
Empowering Everyday People
Globacom also gifted four tricycles (Keke) to winners drawn from within the Ijebu region. Among the recipients were:
- Hassan Toheeb, a businessman from Ijebu-Itele
- Adenike Olanrewaju, a plank seller based in Molipa, Ijebu Ode
- Gazal Temitope, a trader from Olisa, Ijebu Ode
- Lawal Tosin, a carpenter also based in Ijebu Ode
Additional prizes included power-generating sets, grinding machines, and sewing machines, extending Globacom’s gesture of economic empowerment to various tradespeople and small business owners.
A Festival That Blends Culture, Community, and Corporate Citizenship
The 2025 Ojude Oba festival once again underscored the importance of cultural preservation in a rapidly modernizing society. It also highlighted the growing role of corporate organizations like Globacom in not only sponsoring traditional events but actively contributing to social development through tangible rewards and recognition.
As Globacom’s Marketing Manager for Accessories and Small Appliances, Chuks Obikwame, stated during a related event earlier this year: “Our vision is not just to support traditions, but to enrich lives by aligning culture with progress.”
With this year’s successful edition now in the books, the Ojude Oba festival continues to stand as a landmark event in Nigeria’s cultural calendar—bridging heritage with modernity and showcasing the power of community spirit.