Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival: Best thing to happen to homeland in recent decades (1)

Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival: Best thing to happen to homeland in recent decades (1)

Femi OGUNLANA

Carnival of history

History was made in 2024, between December 18 and 22, when Ogbomoso, the second largest city in Oyo state, rocked with its first ever all-encompassing carnival, christened, “Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival.” An idea that came off the fecund mind of the reigning Soun, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, it was like the breaking of a jinx. It was incredible. Many hitherto held the belief it would meet with fiasco but the indomitable spirit of the Kabiyesi, the Planning Committee’s doggedness and unbottled enthusiasm of the people of the city piloted it to incredible success. The colour, the elegance, the glamour, the steeze and the radiance on parade as well as the deep display of the rich cultural heritage and tradition of Ogbomoso (comprising five local governments) made it a global hit. Remarkable successes like this have continued to mark the reign of the monarch.

Carnival of diverse gains

The gains of the carnival are immense making the second and future editions inevitable. It’s no wonder the fever of festivities has gripped the indigenes, home and in the diaspora and non-indigenes alike as the second edition approaches. Every phone calls now involving Ogbomoso must tail towards the carnival. I have never seen such zeal and fervour bubble because of the city. It is amazing.

Carnival of renewed obsession with homeland

Therefore, one can assert that the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival has reignited and reinvigorated the love nay obsession of the people towards their ancestral homeland. One can declare unequivocally that in decades, Ogbomoso has not had such strand of unity of purpose. No doubt, spilling emotion as that towards a community forms the foundation of progress and development. Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival has thus opened a new vista germane for transformation. The burning fire of patriotism towards the town is what is needed to rejig her destiny for greatness.

Carnival of unity

Also, it has become a festival inspiring unity and bonding of the people in oneness and focus. That is another ingredient of transformation that the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival has unleashed.

Carnival of prosperity

It is likewise making Ogbomoso prosperous. Prosperity soars when trade of goods and services soars. Trade of goods and services soars when population soars. The Cradles Carnival has undeniably become an attraction to visitors, residents and non-residents alike. What that implies is that there is a spike in the number of people coming into the town and that will increase sales of goods and services, leading to increased money in circulation. That stimulates prosperity. Traders sell more goods earning more income, hoteliers make more money due to increased patronage. Commercial drivers and motorcyclists also provide services for more passengers, water sellers make more sales and so on. Someone told me almost all hotels in Ogbomoso and environs are already booked by guests coming for the carnival. If not the carnival how will such hotels get booked? When businesses thrive, prosperity amplifies and people have more money to live better. For Ogbomoso to achieve economic prosperity money must stream in from beyond its borders, it’s such scenario that the carnival is creating. Thus, it’s a carnival of prosperity.

Carnival of talents discovery

Furthermore, the carnival is boosting discovery of talents. There are many latent talents in Ogbomoso – in sports, music, acting, in diverse fields. With the introduction of the festival encompassing different levels of artistic and creative aspects, people are now discovering the skills, creativities and values embedded in them. Through various activities and platforms people are feeling tasked and are discovering their abilities. New needs are arising and as they say, necessity is the mother of invention, the emergence of new challenges is unlocking opportunities for discoveries and inventions and creating more avenues to make money.

Waking the sleeping giant

In summary, in this piece, some of the gains of the iconic Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival have been highlighted including invigoration of renewed affection for the town by its indigenes, inspiring a new sense of unity, provoking greater prosperity and creating avenues for discovery of talents and abilities. More of these gains will be considered in series too. One thing is certain however, the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival is already waking a sleeping giant. When the giant (Ogbomoso) finally wakes, the world is bound to tremble.