First City Monument Bank has said it will continue to support the growth of tourism development in the country.
The bank stated this in a congratulatory message to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, on the 2019 Ojude Oba Festival.
According to the FCMB, it will continue to support activities that promote and add value to Nigeria’s culture and heritage, which are also capable of boosting tourism, trade and the hospitality sector.
It added that its participation at the festival would be grand, exciting and rewarding for thousands of people within and outside the country that would be in attendance.
A statement by the bank added that the festival scheduled to hold in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State on August 13 had remained a major event in Nigeria that began over 100 years ago.
“It brings together all sons and daughters of Ijebuland in Nigeria and diaspora for a carnival-like celebration of the traditional, cultural, spiritual accomplishments and other values of the Ijebu nation,” the bank said.
“During the festival, various age groups, indigenes, their friends and associates from far and near – all in their colourful costumes and riding on horses, will throng the palace of the Awujale of Ijebuland to pay homage to him amid prayers and other fun-filled activities,” it added.
The Group Chief Executive of FCMB Group Plc, Mr Ladi Balogun, was quoted to have described the Ojude Oba Festival as a rallying point to promote sustainable growth and development.
He said, “We recognise that celebrating our heritage is an important part of our national identity, a means of educating visitors and future generations about our history and an opportunity to measure our growth, development and sustainability.
“Hence, for us at FCMB, the Ojude Oba Festival is not just another event; it is a pride to us; being a major platform through which we reaffirm our commitment to the community and promote our nation’s cultural diversity. We will continue to support all activities of the state with focus on the economic and social development. We are committed to the longevity of the Ojude Oba Festival and are proud to be associated with its grandeur.”
The Founder of FCMB Group, who is also the Olori Omo-Oba Akile Ijebu, Dr Olasubomi Balogun, was quoted to have expressed gratitude to the paramount ruler for his selflessness, distinguished and exemplary leadership for the 59 years he had been the leader of Ijebuland.
He said the Awujale remained one of the longest reigning monarchs in the country.