Dear Sir,
I write to you with the utmost respect and admiration for your unwavering commitment to transforming Ondo State and advancing our cultural, social, and infrastructural development. As a proud citizen and advocate for heritage preservation, I humbly appeal for the revival of the Mare Festival, a historic and vibrant cultural event that once shone a bright light on Idanre and Ondo State.
Inaugurated in 2009 during the administration of former Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, the Mare Festival was designed as a tourism-driven celebration of mountain climbing and culture, centered around the globally renowned Idanre Hills—a UNESCO-recognized heritage site and one of Nigeria’s most iconic landscapes. The name “Mare,” meaning “don’t fall,” symbolizes strength, resilience, and a call to unity.
Over the years, the Mare Festival evolved into a multifaceted event, transcending mere athletics to become a convergence of tourism, arts, history, and economic empowerment. It attracted participants from across Nigeria and beyond, including adventure enthusiasts, tourists, performers, and government stakeholders. With marathon races, mountain-climbing competitions, cultural exhibitions, and musical concerts featuring top Nigerian artists, the festival established a unique identity for Ondo State on the cultural calendar.
Moreover, the festival served as a platform for youth engagement and skill showcasing. Local artisans, performers, food vendors, and fashion designers found valuable opportunities for visibility and income. Students participated in debates, creative arts displays, and educational outreach events, fostering a deeper appreciation for environmental preservation and cultural heritage. The communal spirit it inspired is irreplaceable.
Regrettably, since its last edition in 2016, the Mare Festival has remained dormant. The infrastructure built around the event—guest houses, viewing platforms, and recreational spaces—has steadily deteriorated due to neglect. The vibrant energy that once revitalized Idanre has been replaced with silence, leaving a palpable cultural void among the people.
Your Excellency, I believe the time is ripe to rekindle this monumental initiative. Reviving the Mare Festival will not only restore a cherished cultural legacy but also stimulate internal tourism, drive economic activity, and promote Ondo State as a dynamic, culturally rich destination. As states seek to diversify revenue and empower youth, the Mare Festival offers a tested platform that can be refined and expanded.
Additionally, as global discussions around climate, conservation, and sustainable tourism gain momentum, Idanre Hills stands as a natural classroom, illustrating how tradition and modern goals can coexist. Reintegrating this festival into Ondo State’s cultural and economic calendar would beautifully align with global objectives for responsible tourism and cultural preservation.
I respectfully encourage Your Excellency to consider collaborating with cultural institutions, tourism boards, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and private sponsors to relaunch the Mare Festival in a way that reflects your vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and economically empowered Ondo State. This initiative would be warmly welcomed not only by the people of Idanre but by all advocates of our state’s rich heritage.
Thank you, Your Excellency, for your tireless dedication to service and progress. I remain confident that under your leadership, Ondo State will continue to thrive in unity, culture, and economic development. May your tenure be marked by many enduring legacies, including the revival of this cherished celebration of our identity and pride.
Yours faithfully,
Ogunbodede Ayokanmi Dada
Phone: 088107571723
Email: ogunbodededada1@gmail.com
