A Chinese woman, Wang Xiu Ying, travelled all the way from China to witness the just concluded Osun Osogbo Festival.
Ying said that in China they gave culture top priority, which explained why she visited Nigeria.
She said, “Humans are cultural beings, so we must do everything possible to preserve age-long traditions of people around the world.”
Ms. Ying further stated that, to preserve cultures and traditional institutions, there was a need for commitment from culturally responsible people and corporate entities.
“I commend the efforts of the corporate bodies behind the festival, particularly Goldberg Lager Beer. I love beer; I cool off at the beer village since my arrival two days ago and I think the brand is very visionary with its approach to supporting traditional institutions. We see their placards everywhere around the town. I think the makers of the beer are really wonderful and it is similar to what we have in China during our cultural celebrations.”
A member of an international body representing the Yoruba community in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Aisha Wilberforce, noted that sustaining traditional legacies like that of the Osun Osogbo Festival could be a big challenge when activities that would add splendour and interesting interactions between people were not available.
Portfolio Manager, Regional Mainstream and Stout Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Emmanuel Agu, who spoke at the event, stated that Goldberg, the official beer sponsor, represented culture and traditional institutions.
He explained, “When we think of who we are as a people, what becomes vital is our enduring legacy that must be celebrated and sustained. That is why Goldberg is here to create that affinity. I thank His Royal Majesty, Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, the custodian of the age-long festival for commending Goldberg as worthy partners in the preservation of the tradition of the people.”
At the grand finale of the festival on August 19, the visitors received the prayers of Iya Osun.
