Tourists safe to visit Osogbo grove on August 9 — Official

Tourists and visitors for this year’s Osun-Osogbo festival have been assured of their safety at the grove.

The Group Head and Media Manager for the event, Mr Oyindamola Olukanmi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Osogbo.

He said that different sub-groups involved in the organisation of the annual festival had put everything in place to ensure a successful event scheduled for 9th August.

Olukanmi stated that plans were ongoing with security agencies in the state to ensure a safe environment for all participants, including tourists and visitors from within and outside the country.

He mentioned that an extensive deployment of security personnel had been arranged to ensure a memorable and seamless experience for everyone attending the grand finale.

“Meetings are ongoing with the Nigerian Army, Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Odua People Congress, Amotekun, and various vigilance groups.

“We are well-prepared for the event. We are also expecting tourists in their hundreds from every part of the country and across the world,” Olukanmi said.

According to him, outside the grove area, hotels, Ataoja’s Palace, Freedom Park, and other major locations for the festival have been put in proper place for the comfort of visitors.

He called for the support of all stakeholders from the culture and tourism sector to ensure the success of the global event.

Olukanmi, however, said the organisers of the event would do everything possible to ensure that the 2024 edition is among the most memorable events for tourists.

NAN recalls that the Police Command in Osun had assured adequate security measures before, during, and after the Osun-Osogbo Festival while assuring participants of their safety.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Yemisi Opalola, told NAN that “End Bad Governance/End Hunger” protests would not affect the event as the organisers had promised to suspend their protest on 9th August in the area.

NAN