2026 World Egungun Festival Begins in Ibadan Today
The two-day 2026 World Egungun Festival has begun today with a symposium at the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, who declared the symposium open, said the government is committed to using the festival to boost tourism and stimulate the local economy.
He also stressed the need for proper documentation of cultural activities to preserve the state’s heritage.
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Stakeholders at the event identified negligence and inadequate funding as major challenges hindering the promotion of the festival’s tourism potential globally.
Speakers said the Egungun Festival, if properly harnessed, could become a major source of revenue and economic empowerment for people of African descent.
They, however, called for strategic investment and sustained promotion to position the festival as a major international tourist attraction.
The grand finale of the festival comes up tomorrow, with over 150 masquerades from within and outside the country expected to participate.
