Makes Case for Investment in Cultural Tourism
Organisers of the annual Beere Festival in Saki, Oyo State, have unveiled the programme for the 2026 edition, calling on federal and state authorities to support efforts to elevate the cultural event into a major tourism attraction.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State premises in Basorun, Ibadan, where the planning committee outlined activities for the nine-day festival scheduled for May 10 to May 18.
Addressing journalists, the committee said the festival would take place in Saki, the headquarters of Saki West Local Government Area, and would highlight the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the ancient town.
The organisers conveyed the goodwill of the Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Oyeniyi Oyedepo III, commending the monarch for sustaining the centuries-old festival and promoting cultural preservation. They noted that the royal father has continued to position the Beere Festival as a flagship cultural event with the potential to attract local and international visitors.
The committee appealed to relevant tourism agencies at both federal and state levels to partner with the community in developing the festival into a viable driver of economic growth through tourism.
Describing the Beere Festival as a unifying cultural celebration, the organisers said it brings together indigenes, residents and visitors in an atmosphere of peace and communal harmony, while also serving as a platform for traditional rulers and community leaders to reaffirm loyalty to the Okere of Saki.
They explained that the festival traces its origins to an age-old tradition marking the annual re-roofing of the monarch’s palace using grass straws known as “Beere,” before residents could undertake roofing of their own homes. The custom, they added, historically encouraged environmental discipline, including restrictions on bush burning during the period.
According to the programme released, activities will commence on May 10 with Ibori Day, featuring traditional rites, gun salutes and palace ceremonies. Other highlights include the Beerethrowing Day (Ojo Isoko), market homage (Imoyi Oba), talent exhibitions, allegiance rites by community leaders, and cultural performances such as masquerade displays and Gẹlẹdẹ outings.
The festival will culminate on May 18 with a grand finale at the Oyo State Agricultural Development Agency Sports Complex.
Dignitaries present at the briefing included community leaders, cultural stakeholders and representatives of local associations, who expressed optimism that the 2026 edition would surpass previous celebrations in scale and impact.
The committee invited tourists, cultural enthusiasts and members of the public to attend, assuring that this year’s festival would offer a vibrant display of Yoruba tradition and heritage.