Ijebu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (IJEBUCCIMA), which is the voice of business in Ijebuland made history during the sallah celebration as the organization successfully hosted the maiden edition of IJEBUCCIMA-OJUDE OBA TRADE FIESTA with the theme: Harmonizing Commerce and Culture for the economic development of Ijebuland.
The trade fiesta which took place at the IJEBUCCIMA complex Igbeba,Ijebu ode, was being used to essentially add commerce and business spice to the annual Ojude Oba celebration. Businesses from every sector of the economy in Ijebu land showcased their products and brand for purchase and exposure, at discounted rates.
The Ojude Oba has been a cultural heritage of the Ijebu people during which different age and social group pay homages to the Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, as well as display of horse parade.
According to the President IJEBUCCIMA,Rafiu Oshiyemi,the Trade fiesta,was borne out of the fact that a symbiotic relationship between commerce and culture would boost socio-economic development of the ancient town.
The IJEBUCCIMA president said it was important to take the Ojude Oba cultural festival to a level that it would impact the economic lives of the people, adding that understanding the culture of an area would allow businesses to thrive.
He stated that the chamber wanted to use the Ojude Oba celebration as a means of creating awareness on the economic opportunities available in Ijebuland.
Oshiyemi added that the fiesta was also aimed at discovering businesses and entrepreneurship capacities within the economic environment of Ijebuland, while not neglecting the cultural aspect of the festival.
“Though the festival was suspended for this year, people are still around to celebrate with their families and friends.
“We are hopeful that in the nearest future, we will be able to initiate the development of a one-stop-shop event place to be tagged “Ojude Oba Village” where we will have a parade group and shopping mall.
“We will also have a guest house, event house and trade incubation centre, among others, that will attract tourists and enable them undertake several activities during their visit to the festival,” he said.
The trade fiesta was formally opened on Ojude Oba day,which was 22nd July, 2021.
It has in attendance, Government agencies, development organisations, political,business and community leaders within and outside Ijebuland.
