Investment in arts, culture’ll boost Oyo IGR, says Isese Foundation president

CAN you tell us about the Isese Foundation, and what has been its contribution to the society?

The Isese Foundation was founded on August 20, 2009, and its biggest achievement is fostering harmony among the different religious groups in the state. Gone are the days when the state was known for conflict among the different religious organisations. Our association, having been a legal entity, has been mediating on crisis between traditionalists and adherents of Islam and Christianity, especially during traditional festive periods. Also, the activities of masquerades have been regulated with the support of our association. We also have frequent meetings with law enforcement agencies, while we have also partnered with the state’s Ministry of Arts and Culture. Through this partnership, we have been showing officials of the ministry where tourist attractions are located in the state. I want to say that we have also travelled to Brazil to showcase what the state has to offer in the area of tourism.

With all you have said, what challenges are you facing in running the association?

The major challenge we are facing is the lack of financial support. We are ready to partner with the state government to promote our culture, but we need financial support to do this.

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Although officials of the state’s Ministry of Arts and Culture are are working very hard in this aspect, but a lot can still be done towards achieving the desired result.

A new government just came on board in the state, what area do you think your association can support it in its new assignment?

We are ready to work with the new government. Whenever the government calls on us, we will answer. Our assistance to the government specifically will be in the area of promotion of arts and culture, which we know can bring huge revenue to the state. In Brazil and some other countries of the world, for example, they generate huge revenue from their culture, and we can replicate the same thing in Oyo State.

If you are to ask for anything from the new government, what will that be?

First and foremost, we want the state government to declare every August 20 as the ‘Isese Day.’ The day should be made a public holiday, and I recently advocated for same in Osun State.

Since we have Christian and Muslim holidays, it is only in the spirit of natural justice for traditionalists to also be given a sense of belonging.

We also want the government to rehabilitate the Cultural Centre. Nothing is happening there anymore, and this ordinarily should be the focal point for the promotion of culture in the state.