Goals

1. Cultural Preservation and Renaissance

• To revive and sustain the traditional arts, music, dances, masquerades, and culinary practices that define Ogbomoso’s place in Yoruba and Nigerian history.
• To ensure the transmission of cultural values and practices to younger generations, safeguarding them against erosion by modern influences.

2. Community Unity and Identity

• To strengthen bonds among the five Local Government Areas of Ogbomosoland, fostering a sense of shared identity and pride.
• To provide a platform for intergenerational and inter-community exchange, reinforcing Ogbomoso’s status as a cradle of Yoruba civilization.
• To promote inclusivity by involving all five LGAs, religious bodies, and various social groups in a shared celebration of culture and heritage.

3. Economic Empowerment and Development

• To stimulate local economic growth by creating sustainable opportunities for artisans, entertainers, small businesses, and tourism operators.
• To stimulate the local economy through tourism, small business growth, hospitality, transportation, and agricultural linkages.
• To attract investment in hospitality, transport, agriculture, and tourism infrastructure, positioning Ogbomoso as a destination for cultural tourism and business networking.

4. Diaspora Engagement and Homecoming

• To reconnect Ogbomoso indigenes in the diaspora with their roots, encouraging their participation in the city’s cultural and developmental agenda.
• To harness the resources, expertise, and goodwill of the diaspora for community development through sponsorships, mentoring, and philanthropy.

5. Promotion of Core Values

• To instill and promote values such as love, unity, respect, compassion, and pride in heritage-values that define the Ogbomoso spirit and underpin communal progress.
• To position Ogbomosoland as a prime cultural destination in Nigeria and West Africa, leveraging the uniqueness of its historical and spiritual heritage.

• To project Ogbomoso’s identity on global platforms through media visibility, international partnerships, and tourism campaigns.

6. Global Recognition and Cultural Diplomacy

• To project Ogbomoso’s unique cultural identity on the global stage, earning recognition and respect for its contributions to Yoruba and Nigerian heritage.
• To use the carnival as a platform for cultural diplomacy, fostering partnerships and collaborations with other cultural communities and stakeholders.

7. Sustainable Development and Innovation

• To integrate modern leisure and sporting activities-such as golf tournaments and inclusive sports-into the festival, blending tradition with innovation.
• To use the carnival as a springboard for long-term, sustainable development initiatives aligned with the monarch’s 25-year agenda for Ogbomoso.

Aspirations for the Future

• Institutionalization: To make the Cradles Carnival a permanent, annual fixture in Nigeria’s cultural calendar, backed by strong institutional frameworks and sustainable funding models.
• Cultural Diplomacy: To create cultural exchange programs with other Yoruba cities and African communities globally, promoting mutual learning and international goodwill.
• Innovation and Inclusiveness: To continuously integrate modern elements—like digital exhibitions, smart tourism solutions, and contemporary performances—while staying rooted in tradition.
• Urban Regeneration: To use the carnival as a springboard for beautifying and transforming key public spaces in Ogbomosoland into cultural landmarks and economic zones.
• Heritage Archives and Museums: To establish permanent museums and digital heritage centers that preserve the stories, artifacts, and arts of Ogbomoso for scholarly and public access.

The Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, under the visionary leadership of Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, aspires to be more than a festival seeks to be a transformative movement that uplifts the city, empowers its people, and secures its legacy for generations to come.