Popular filmmaker and entrepreneur Folarin Laosun, the brain behind the cultural Oluyole Festival, has said he is on a mission to revive and celebrate Ibadan’s rich culture and heritage.
Laosun, whose movie Nimbe is ranked one of the most watched on Netflix, shared the inspiration behind the festival, shedding light on its objectives and challenges.
Determined to project the city onto the cultural stage, he embarked on a journey leading to the Oluyole Festival’s inception.
With the second edition set to be held between November 29 and December 3, according to him, this edition promises a five-day extravaganza featuring diverse events to engage the community and celebrate Ibadan’s cultural essence.
“The festival kicks off with a visit to the palace of Olubadan, followed by an art exhibition showcasing a mini-documentary on Ibadan’s history. The subsequent days feature a seminar on the significance of Ibadan, film screenings, a 48-hour film challenge, and football and golf tournaments. The grand finale boasts a carnival procession and a special performance by a renowned local artist.
He urged the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, to allocate more funds to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, stressing the potential economic gains for the state.