By Yetunde Oke
The Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism has officially invited the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP Oyo State Council to 2026 World Egungun Festival, scheduled for 1st and 2nd of May.
This was made known during a visit to the Oyo NUP by the officials of the ministry led by the commissioner, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, at Pensioners House Agbarigo, Onireke , Ibadan.
Dr Olatunbosun said the invite became imperative because retirees in the state are strong stakeholders and key players in the promotion of culture and tourism in the state.
The Commissioner appreciated the union for the huge turnout in the 2025 World Egungun Festival, recalling that the union won the highest contingent at the festival and implored them to maintain the position this year.
Earlier, the Acting General Manager, Oyo State Council, Art and Culture, Mr Olakunle Agboola, said the event which is in collaboration with a non-governmental organization, Adayeba Culture Tourism Foundation and others will feature over 200 egunguns, individual talents and 10 different countries.
Reacting, the Secretary, Oyo NUP, Comrade Olusegun Abatan lauded the ministry through Dr Olatunbosun for its effort in promoting the cultural heritage of the state and promised more turnout of members in this year’s commemoration.
Comrade Abatan, however, implored the ministry to provide adequate protection and conducive environment for pensioners that would grace the event.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Pensioners FM, Dr Babatunde Tiamiyu, assured the ministry of the station’s awareness about the event.
A plaque award was presented to Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Oyo State Council, by World Egungun Festival, Oyo State powered by Adayeba Culture Tourism Foundation.
Present at the visit were officials from the ministry, Chairman, Oyo NUP, Comrade James Osuntade, Assistant Secretary, Comrade Banji Koleosho, Treasurer, Deacon John Olubiyi and Trustee 1 Comrade Joel Ayodabo.
