Preparation for the second edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival has kicked off with the organising committee promising to consolidate on the success of the first edition to add more exciting features to give tourists and visitors experiential essence of the carnival.

Speaking recently at a press conference held at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Hon. Segun Dokun Odebunmi, who described the carnival as one of the flagship initiatives of Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, under the monarch’s 25-year development agenda for Ogbomosoland, said the carnival is scheduled to take place from December 18 to 22, 2025.

According to Odebunmi, “The Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival is more than a cultural display; it is a vision—a platform to showcase our heritage, promote our identity, and restore the dignity of Ogbomosoland.”

He recalled that the inaugural edition in 2024 attracted over 10,000 visitors, including indigenes from the diaspora, corporate sponsors, and tourists, noting that the event has become a model for cultural celebrations in Oyo State.

“Last year’s success inspired several communities across Oyo State. It also led to the establishment of a campus of the Nigerian Academy for Cultural Studies (NACUS) and its inclusion in both the state and federal cultural calendars,” Odebunmi added.

He expressed hope that the 2025 edition would surpass the previous one in terms of color, creativity, and impact, mentioning that new activities and innovations have been introduced to enhance participants’ experiences. This year’s pre-carnival activities will be largely youth-focused, designed not only to showcase talent but also to elevate outstanding individuals on national and global stages.

Mr. Banji Ojo, the Chairman of the Pre-Carnival Committee, stated that areas not yet included in the current lineup would be addressed in future editions and encouraged young people to seize the opportunity to showcase their gifts through talent hunts and other activities. He mentioned that, in addition to cash and material rewards, those who excelled would be promoted to national and global levels.

Mr. Muyiwa Oke, the Secretary of the Committee, reported that over 50 clubs and associations have registered to participate, with registration still open for other interested groups. He assured that the carnival would reflect the unity and vibrancy that characterize Ogbomosoland.

The 2025 carnival will include pre, main and post-carnival events. Key highlights will be a talent hunt featuring music, comedy and traditional performances.

Other attractions include Omidan Ogbomoso Beauty Pageant, crowning the cultural ambassador of Ogbomosoland, arts and crafts exhibition slated for December 18–22. Also are the Oba Ghandi golf tournament, football competition, tennis tournament, ayo olopon and draught competitions and a marathon race.

The Main Carnival will officially launch on Thursday, December 18, at the Soun Ogunlola Hall, featuring cultural displays, music, and addresses by dignitaries. Subsequent days will include chieftaincy conferments, Jumaat prayers, the Odun Oole Festival, golf tournament, award night, and musical entertainment.

The grand finale, scheduled for Monday, December 22, will feature an official closing ceremony performed by the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, alongside cultural displays from the five local governments in Ogbomosoland.

Hon. Odebunmi assured that comprehensive security measures have been implemented, with both serving and retired experts managing surveillance and crowd control. He also mentioned that hotels and restaurants across the city have been well-prepared to ensure comfort and safety for visitors.

Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee, emphasised that the carnival was programmed to be a success right from inception and called on journalists to project its vision of unity, culture, and economic revival.

Odebunmi urged all sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland to support this initiative. “As Helen Keller said, ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.’ Together, under the leadership of His Imperial Majesty, we are rewriting our story with courage and conviction,” he stated. (Tribune)