FCMB Group Plc reaffirms its nearly 25-year commitment to the Ojude Oba festival, highlighting its role as a platform for cultural expression, trade, investment, and inclusive growth, ahead of the June 8, 2025 celebration

FCMB Group Plc has reiterated its longstanding commitment to the iconic Ojude Oba festival, emphasizing its role as a crucial platform to drive trade, investment, and foster inclusive and sustainable growth through arts, crafts, tourism, and hospitality.

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Speaking ahead of this year’s event, which follows closely on the heels of the Sallah celebration, FCMB’s Divisional Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Diran Olojo, highlighted the financial services firm’s view of the festival as both a vibrant cultural expression and a catalyst for economic development.

This year’s festival, themed ‘Ojude Oba: Celebrating Our Roots, Preserving Our Future’, is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, 2025.

With a rich history spanning over a century, the festival traditionally attracts thousands of participants and observers from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

It has evolved into a significant convergence point for traditional leadership, burgeoning businesses, and communal identity, underscoring the vital intersection of culture and development.

In a statement made available on Thursday, Olojo elaborated on FCMB’s enduring support. “’Ojude Oba’ reflects the type of society we’re working to build, one that values legacy, unity, and long-term prosperity. Our support, which began nearly 25 years ago, is rooted in the vision of our late founder, Otunba Olasubomi Balogun, who believed in the role of culture in enterprise development and community advancement. This belief remains a cornerstone of our purpose – to connect people, capital and markets,” he said.

Ojude Oba’ reflects the type of society we’re working to build, one that values legacy, unity, and long-term prosperity.

FCMB has pledged to deepen its engagement by actively participating in various traditional activities, including the vibrant ‘regberegbe’ parade and the revered homage to the Awujale, the traditional ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

Olojo clarified that the bank’s involvement extends beyond mere sponsorship. “We see our role as helping to reinforce traditions that have socio-economic value. Festivals like Ojude Oba create demand across tourism, hospitality, and small business sectors while preserving the culture that binds us,” he noted.

Olu Okuboyejo, Chairman of the Ojude Oba Festival Organising Committee, praised corporate sponsors like FCMB, acknowledging their crucial role in showcasing cultural continuity and promoting religious harmony.

“This year, 25 warrior families will demonstrate their horse-riding prowess alongside colourful ‘regberegbe’ displays. The festival remains a gift from Ijebuland to Nigeria and beyond,” he proudly stated.

Mr. Sesan Fagbayi, Ogun State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, further emphasized the state government’s focus on expanding the festival’s international appeal and economic significance.

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He concluded, ”Ojude Oba is not just a celebration – it’s a strategic cultural asset. We’re working to ensure this year’s edition delivers lasting value.”