President Muhammadu Buhari has charged Nigerians to promote and preserve their cultural heritage, saying that the culture of the people is the identity which gives them due recognition.

Buhari made the call during the 2019 Olojo festival held at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi in Ile-Ife on Saturday.

Correspondent Kunle Ojo reports that the president, who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said that people and culture were inseparable since there was no denying that what made a society was its culture.

He said, "I want all Nigerians to understand the importance of our culture and how we can harness it for socio-economic development of the country. People and their culture are inseparable since the society is made of the people's culture. The culture and tradition of people are their identities as it affords them due recognition.

Buhari expressed delight that the people of Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba had been so passionate and committed to the preservation of cultural heritage.

Also Speaking, Osun Governor, Gboyega Oyetola congratulated the people of the ancient town for the success of the festival.

Oyetola, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Benedict Alabi described Olojo festival as `significant’ because it afforded Yoruba people the opportunity to showcase their God-given cultural heritage.

Olojo festival is promoting our culture and tradition to the whole world. The festival has shown to the whole world that Yoruba culture is very rich.

We are doing so much in the promotion of our culture and we will not relent. We want the people to have confidence in our ability to get things done and support us.

The highpoint of the event was the Public appearance of the Ooni of Ife with the sacred Are crown

The event was attended by top government functionaries including the member representing Ife Federal Constituency, Mr Taofeek Ajilesoro and the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye.

Other dignitaries at the event were Oba Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Adedotun, Oba Obiri Kingdom, Oba Abiola Fakoyejo and Oba Idowu Adediwura, Obalufe of Ifeland.