Tourists, devotees as well as cultural enthusiasts from across the globe have been arriving the ancient city of Osogbo, the state capital, to participate at the grand finale of this year’s edition of the annual Osun-Osogbo festival.
Observations by Sahel Standard reporter that moved round Osogbo on Wednesday, indicated that commercial activities were on the rise in many parts of the state capital, as a result of influx into the state of many visitors that wanted to participate in the Friday’s cultural festival.
The 2023 edition of the annual festival commenced on Monday, July 31 with the traditional cleansing of pathways, otherwise known as Iwopopo, which was held at Gbaemu Junction, Osogbo.
The grand finale of the festival, that will witness the voltary maid called ‘Arugba,’ to be accompanied by Osun devotees and Ataoja of Osogbo,Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, processing to Osun grove to offer sacrifices to the river goddess, would also had the top government officials in attendance.
A hotelier based in Osogbo, Afolabi Adedeji, while speaking with Sahel Standard, said most hotels in Osogbo have already been booked by participants in Osun-Osogbo festival.
He lauded improved security across the state and urged the government to sustain peace that the people are enjoying under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
He said, “Despite the economic crises facing the country, many visitors have been arriving the state ahead of the Friday’s festival.
“Our visitors have been moving round, many of them in public transport. They are buying food and other items. The state economy is currently enjoying the boom.”
