Osun spends N100m to reconstruct festival VIP pavilion

The Osun State Government on Thursday said it spent more than N100 million to reconstruct the state grove pavilion for the Osun Festival.
Sikiru Ayedun, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
Ayedun said the need to make sitting arrangements comfortable for dignitaries informed the reconstruction of the pavilion by the state government.
Aiyedun said: “Government realised that important dignitaries from all walks of life would converge on the state soon and they must be comfortable while they watch proceedings.
“Before now, the pavilion was just a cemented platform, which would permit only those sitting at the frontline to have a good view of the festival proceedings.
“With this newly constructed pavilion, we have redesigned the sitting arrangement after the pattern of a stadium.
“With this arrangement, those seated even at the back under the pavilion will be able to have a vantage view of all that is going on.
“This is more comfortable and befitting for government officials, diplomats, traditional rulers and other important personalities that will converge on the state for the festivity.”
Shehu Adewale, the Public Relations Officer of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, also told NAN that all arrangements were set to host the entire world.
Adewale said: “We are ready for the festival.
“All arrangements are set.
“There would be more dignitaries than the past years and we are grateful to the state government for this pavilion.
“We have demarcated the sections for those to sell drinks, food and several other things, most especially the security arrangements have been concluded.
“The police and other paramilitary agencies have all assured us of adequate security arrangement.
“So, we are ready for the festival.”
NAN reports that the grove, as at Thursday afternoon, was full of activities as producers of different brands of drinks had mounted their stands.
The grand finale of the Osun festival is scheduled for Friday.