By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Goldberg Lager Beer has been commended by the 2016 Ojude Oba Festival Committee for its commitment and unflinching support towards preserving cultural values and traditional institutions.
Chairman of the Festival Planning Committee, Otunba Olabode Osinusi, stated this last Monday at the World Press Conference held at the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Golden Jubilee Centre in Ijebu Ode, as part of activities heralding this year’s edition of the Ojude Oba Festival.
According to Otunba Olabode, “Ojude Oba Festival has been attracting a sizable number of sponsors over the years, and notable among them is Nigerian Breweries Plc, most especially her Goldberg brand which supports culture and traditional institutions such as this.”
The Ojude Oba (which in English translates to the king’s fore-court or frontage) is a major festival in South-west Nigeria that began over 100 years ago. It brings together all sons and daughters of Ijebuland in Nigeria and in diaspora for a carnival-like celebration of the traditional, cultural, and spiritual accomplishments of the Ijebu nation.
During the Festival, various age groups (popularly known as the Regberegbes), indigenes, their friends and associates from far and near – all in colourful costumes – throng the palace of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland to pay homage to him amidst prayers and several fun-filled activities.
The Goldberg team was in the city to show support for the conference organized by the Festival Committee to inform indigenes and intending visitors on the activities for this year’s festival coming up in September.
Public Affairs Manager, West and Mid-West, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Tayo Adelaja, explained that the Ojude Oba festival is an example of an enduring cultural legacy which cannot be overlooked by Goldberg which supports culture. “This festival is one of the most celebrated festivals in South-west dating back to about two centuries; it is unique and spectacular to the Ijebus and we strongly believe in supporting and sustaining such an enduring legacy of the people, “he said.
He further expressed appreciation to the Festival Committee and the Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona. CFR, JP, for being a befitting ruler and finding Goldberg a worthy partner in rebranding and globalizing this year’s Ojude Oba festival.
The festival which comes up in September this year will be sponsored by Goldberg as the official Beer Sponsor. Goldberg, a brand with strong cultural affinity is also known for championing major cultural and traditional activities and celebrations such as the just concluded Osun Osogbo festival and Udiroko festival in Ado-Ekiti.
Aduragbemi Omiyale 
Modupe Gbadeyanka