Adeleke promises to protect, promote Osun-Osogbo grove

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Thursday assured that his administration would continue to protect and promote Osun Osogbo Grove.

The governor also said the state was proud to be the host of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation World Heritage-listed Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, noting that the historical site remains a symbol of the cultural and spiritual heritage of the people.

He spoke at the launching of new national and international postage stamps bearing the pictures of Osun Osogbo Grove, organised by the Osun State Ministry of Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations in collaboration with the Nigeria Postal Service, held in Osogbo, the state capital.

Adeleke, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Teslim Igbalaye, further said, “Now, some may ask that in an era dominated by social media, why do we still celebrate postage stamps? The answer is simple: if we do not know our history, we risk losing our future.

“Stamps are more than just tools for mailing letters; they are symbols that capture the essence of history. The images on stamps tell us stories of significant events and remind us of what shaped our present.

“In Osun State, we are proud custodians of one of the nation’s greatest treasures—the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove. This historical site represents the cultural and spiritual heritage of our people. It is, therefore, our duty to protect and promote it, ensuring that future generations, both in Nigeria and across the world, can visit and appreciate its beauty and significance.”

Earlier, NIPOST Postmaster General, Tola Odeyemi, in his remarks, explained that postage stamps across the world are regarded as miniature ambassadors.

Odeyemi, who was represented by the Deputy Director Operations NIPOST, Osun State, Adetoun Fagbemi, added, “The significance of today’s event transcends the mere unveiling of a postage stamp. We are, in fact, honouring the Osogbo Grove, a living cultural monument recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

“One might ask: Why a postage stamp? Across the world, postage stamps have long been regarded as miniature ambassadors—condensed representations of a nation’s achievements, culture, and identity. Stamps tell stories that transcend borders, encapsulating history, art, and heritage in ways accessible to all.

“Governments have historically used postage stamps to celebrate milestones, honour their citizens, and promote national pride. In this way, the Osogbo Grove commemorative stamp becomes more than just paper; it becomes a piece of history.”

PUNCH Online reports that the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the outskirts of Osogbo, the capital city of Osun State, Nigeria. It is one of the last remaining sacred groves in Yoruba culture and is dedicated to Osun, the goddess of fertility, prosperity, and water in the Yoruba religion.