Oyo seeks UNESCO status for Igboora twins festival

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed his aspiration to elevate the Igbo Ora Festival of Twins and Multiple Births to global recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site, aligning with his administration’s goal to enhance the state’s economy through tourism.

During the annual World Twins Festival, themed “Twinning for Love, Unity and National Economic Reorientation,” held at the Methodist Grammar School in Igbo Ora, the governor emphasized the festival’s distinctiveness and significance to both Ibarapa and Oyo State. His remarks were conveyed in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

Makinde, represented at the event by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the festival and improving essential infrastructure to facilitate its growth. He noted that efforts would be intensified to ensure the timely completion of the Ido/Eruwa road rehabilitation project, underscoring its importance for accessibility to the event.

The governor highlighted the impressive turnout for the festival, stating, “Today’s celebration is truly remarkable, with attendees coming from far and wide.” He noted that research indicates that 10% of births in Igbo Ora are twins, prompting reflection on the unique blessing this community enjoys. “Twins are special gifts from God, and while they share similar diets with others, the prevalence of multiple births in Ibarapaland sets it apart,” he added.

Makinde indicated that the Oyo State Government is actively working towards enhancing the festival to meet UNESCO standards, which could attract visitors globally from regions like America and Asia. He encouraged parents of twins to nurture their children effectively to help them achieve their aspirations, while also urging the community to establish a permanent venue to honor the festival.

“Creating a dedicated space for this celebration is crucial. We need to consider acquiring land that can serve as a permanent venue, allowing for better organization in the future. Moreover, improving the roads leading to the venue will enhance the experience for attendees,” he stated, assuring the public that the government is prioritizing the Ido-Eruwa Road project.

Abass Adigun, the chairman of the occasion and a member of the House of Representatives, praised the annual festival for highlighting the cultural values and traditions upheld by the Oyo State Government and the Igbo Ora community, emphasizing its significance across Africa. He commended Governor Makinde for his efforts to elevate the festival’s profile to attract tourists and investors.

The Olu of Igbo Ora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye, also thanked the governor for promoting the festival as a means to boost tourism and the state’s economic growth. Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, Oyo State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, highlighted the festival’s unique nature, which includes participation from twins across all geopolitical zones in the state, with ambitions to enter the Guinness Book of World Records and be recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.

The Twins Festival Consultants, Ambassador Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye, expressed their gratitude to Makinde for his dedication to promoting innovative cultural tourism. In his closing remarks, Dr. Anthony Adepoju, representing Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North in the House of Representatives, conveyed optimism that the twins festival would soon gain global recognition, further attracting investment to enhance the state’s economy.

The festival featured a variety of activities, including the unveiling of a twins statue at Igbotikale Roundabout, a Twins Parade, a Talent Show, and traditional appellations. The event attracted a diverse audience, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, community figures, and high-ranking government officials