By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s culture and tourism, emphasizing the administration’s focus on enhancing peace and unity through cultural inclusivity.

Tunji-Ojo made this statement over the weekend during the centenary celebration of the Okeagbe community in Ondo State.

He noted that the President recently rebranded the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE) to strengthen the nation’s cultural identity and harness economic opportunities through the creative industry.

According to Tunji-Ojo: “The ministry’s target is to foster culture and inclusivity by celebrating Nigeria’s diverse identity and empowering economic opportunities through the creative industries. The rebranded Ministry of Creative Economy and Tourism has been living up to expectations, with the Federal Executive Council (FEC) also endorsing the creative industry’s growth.”

He commended the giant strides of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, praising his transformative leadership in Ondo State.

“Our President is committed to promoting culture and tourism,” he said. “I congratulate the people of Okeagbe on 100 years of unification, harmony, and coexistence, and I look forward to the next century of progress and prosperity.”

He also expressed gratitude for his appointment as Minister of Interior, attributing it to President Tinubu’s dedication to inclusivity and excellence.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Rasheed Badmus, urged the Okeagbe community to maintain peace and unity. He highlighted the importance of traditional rulers in promoting cultural heritage.

“We are happy that there is peace everywhere in Ondo State,” Aiyedatiwa said. “For instance, from Ikare to Arigidi to Okeagbe, peace has prevailed. The four traditional rulers here live in harmony, and we encourage them to continue in this spirit.

“The Ondo State government values our traditional leaders. Once there is peace among them, it becomes easier to promote our culture. We have reached out to our traditional rulers to keep showcasing the unique cultures of their communities.”

Speaking on behalf of the community’s traditional rulers, the Ajana of Afa Okeagbe, Oba Folorunsho Arasanyin, lauded the virtues of Minister Tunji-Ojo and Governor Aiyedatiwa. He emphasized the commitment of the traditional rulers to sustaining the prevailing peace and fostering cultural pride in the community.