Mohammed Shosanya

The Oyo state government plans to set aside a day in the year for a uniform celebration of Egungun Festival.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun,who disclosed this on Thursday when met Egungun Worshipers (Alagbaas) and other stakeholders in the state,explained that the new move is part of the present administration’s bid to set the tone for harnessing tourism and culture in Oyo Sunder Omituntun 2.0.

Dr. Olatubosun said tourism has become a focal point of Governor Seyi Makinde’s Omituntun 2.0 agenda.

He said that the grand Egungun Carnival will herald the commencement of various Egungun Festivals across Oyo State.

He explained that a unified date for this cultural festival would further promote the State’s culture and boost the tourism potentials of the State, by bringing tourists from all over the world to witness the festival.

The display by the various Egungun Worshipers would make the celebrations more attractive to the tourists,he said.

He added:“Oyo State being a Pacesetter State, would be hitting the ground running on this dignified cultural propagation and promotion, thus writing history for others to follow.”

The ‘Alagbaas’ in their response, unanimously agreed with the idea,promising to work in synergy with the Ministry to make the concept a success.

They also promised to rally their members to give unwavering support towards achieving the desirable outcome.

Mohammed Shosanya

Ogun state governor,Dapo Abiodun,says the Ojude Oba festival was a unifying factor to the entire Ijebuland.

The festival has also brought about the cultural values of Ijebu people,he said in his comment at this year’s Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state.

He also said:“It is an opportunity to display our hospitality to the world. It promotes our tourism sector. We are going to look at having a state-owned festival like this which will bring overall growth to the state.”

Also speaking,the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Olusegun Runsewe, maintained thatbthr festival remained a boost to tourism development in the country.

He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for bringing investors to the state through the festival.

He said: “Today marks a new brand for the entire Ijebu people both at home and the Diaspora. Ojude Oba has become a brand of developing culture and tourism in Nigeria.

The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona,in his remarks, called also hailed the governor in showcasing the festival to the wider world and urged him to repair the bad roads within Ijebuland.

He added:“I pray God would grant the governor good health to continue to bring more dividends of democracy to every nook and cranny of the state. Ijebu has never failed and we will not fail, this will not be our last celebration. Other states should take a cue from Ogun State that has a museum right inside the palace; it’s a unique thing that has happened to the state. The museum is of international standard.”

Speaking,the special guest of honour, Dr Clement Okeowo,implored the Federal government to fix the remaining portion of the Sagamu–Benin Expressway, especially the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode axis.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism led a multi-sector team on a four-day tour to about sixteen Tourism locations in Oyo State.

The team, led by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Oyedele Oyesola; the Conservator of National Park, Sepeteri, Mr. Adeniyi Kareem and other tourism stakeholders in the state.

They expressed optimism that the sites could generate huge revenue for the state.

The four-day Domestic Tourism tagged, “Know Your State, Enjoy Your State and Feel Your State”, took tourists to some historical sites at the National Park; Igbeti; Sepeteri and Ibadan,a statement said .

Speaking on the import of the site visits, Mr. Oyesola said the visits were with a view to enhancing Oyo State’s Tourism products and carefully harness their potentials.

He added that Oyo State is endowed with unique integrated culture and heritage as inherited from its forebears.

He said state’s unique cultural identity is known worldwide as evident in many of the tourist sites visited.

According to him,the hills in the Oke-ogun area of Oyo State must be given wide publicity, considering their heights and the amazing views one can experience from that vantage point.

He added that most of the historical sites have ancient stories that accompany their existence, dating back to the Old Oyo empire.

He said the tourism sector of the State shares the view of local tour operators that the sites would be awesome for visitors, adding that they could be money-spinning potential.

He said:”We look forward to working with all of the relevant agencies to make this a reality.Oyo state is amply endowed with unique tourism potentials scattered in its nooks and crannies in all 33 local governments which are unquestionable.

“Tourism is money-spinning, if we go by retrospect you will be able to learn from past experiences considering the Irefin palace we visited today, nobody knows when the Oba that reign in Irefin was reigning in Ibadan and we are told that it has 200 rooms it’s shown there is a cohabiting nature for 200 women to live within same roof successfully, it’s something that requires in-depth learning to see our forebears that they have native intelligent.”

Speaking, the Conservator of National Park, Adeniyi Karim called for partnership on eco-tourism and its facilities with relevant authorities.

He said the Park has facilities that have blended the past with nature, with about 6 ranges containing historical/archeological sites.

Some sites visited were Ali-Iwo palace, National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan; Irefin Palace which belongs to one of the Royal families of Ibadan land; Bowers Tower.

Others visited were African Heritage Research Library and Cultural Centre, Adeyipo Village, Ibadan; Old Oyo-Ile in Igbeti; Mejiro cave; Kosomonu hill; Ibu-iya lake; Agbele hill; Iya-Mapo hill; and the Agbaku cave.

Private sector is igniting efforts to boost tourism,art and entertainment in Kogi Central of Kogi state.

The initiative, which is being facilitated by Trans Atlantic Centre, (TAC),a not-for-profit research,recreation and community development concern,is in partnership with Tafari Hotel and Suites, AFIM Hotels Limited and the annual Ebira Carnival Project.

Others are Calabash Film Production, MLC Television Production and Newsdiary online among others.

Besides,the Office of the Senior Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Kogi state, on Entertainment and New Media have given nod to the project and providing official support through promotions,a statement said.

Billed for execution as part of the collaboration are two epoch-making events, which include the first Kogi Central All Artistes and Entertainment Summit and the Tourism, Arts and Craft Expo 2023.

According to the statement,some of the expectations from the two events are to build the capacity of major stakeholders in the tourism and entertainment industries, provide certification for participants as well as set in motion the process of developing the business for local and foreign interests.

Speaking,the lead facilitator of the programs and projects, Mr. Mohammed Bougei Attah of TAC,disclosed that the projects are part of the ongoing efforts to support the Kogi State Government in driving development to the people and the area through the private sector.

He added:“We cannot always claim to support the government without something on the ground to show. The initiative and partnership therefore are aimed exposing the area and the state to foreign direct investment, encouraging real tourism development and making the central a truly transit haven for visitors”.

The Executive Director of Trans Atlantic Centre TAC), a research, recreation and community development initiative, Comrade Mohammed Bougei Attah,says the centre is desirous of redefining tourism potential of Kogi central.

He also said the development also aligns with his ultimate goal to bring social, economic and other productive developments to the people of Kogi Central and beyond.

Attah spoke with journalists in Okene while
unveiling plans towards the 5th year anniversary celebration of the centre, the annual family Funfair, the MBA Mentorship Program and other events designed to add more value to the tourism potential of Kogi Central

He explained that the primary aim of the 10-Year Development Plan of the Centre is to identify and recognize individuals that have impacted positively on the people despite the daily challenges.

According to him,such personalities are people with track record of voluntary services, philanthropy and investors in the people. “They are those that are running one foundation or the other, which are people-oriented”

The annual Mentorship Program,which is set to induct 100 youths in coming years is one of the major activities of the Centre that build the capacity of youths and successor generation of Ebiras, he said.

He also disclosed that other programs such as capacity building workshops, trainings and interface with successful entrepreneurs are slated for the upcoming year.

He added:”So this January 1st is to usher in the new year in a special way and to prepare people for the remaining part of the year.The annual family Funfair is the climax of event that brings families, friends and associates together to share ideas and celebrate the best of the year”.

The Oyo State Government will soon commence rehabilitation work on the roads leading to Iyamapo, a 2000 metres above sea level Hill in Igbeti town.

The Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal gave the assurance during the World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27, at Igbeti, headquarters of Olorunsogo Local Government Area,assured that the government will invest in the tourism sector to attract local and international investors, who will in turn drive the State’s economic expansion drive.

Lawal also declared that the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration plans to harness the developmental benefits of the State’s mineral resources in Igbeti, to expand the economy.

He said the present administration is determined to reposition the state’s tourism sector with its huge potential, to drive the economy of the state.

Barr. Lawal, who hinted that resources in the Oke-Ogun zone of the state are enough to sustain Oyo state’s economy, implored investors to help boost the economic activities of the state, through investment in the tourism sector.

He explained that “harnessing the multi-million naira potentials in the state, will be extended to the 168 tourism sites in the State. We will drive world-class tourist sites and urban regeneration work to attract tourists, which will provide gainful means of employment for youth and women”.

He added that this will open more rural areas, like Igbeti, to tourists as the plan includes rehabilitating the road which will take tourists to Iyamapo to see the beauty and access all the other landmarks in the town.

“Oyo State Government will rehabilitate the roads leading to Iyamapo hill, which is one of the tourism potentials in Igbeti. This is part of our commitment to tourism in the State”, he said.This will also encourage tourists to visit Agbele hill, Bata erugba and other places and by doing so, they contribute to the growth of the economy,” he said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun said that tourism in the state would be harnessed by the Seyi Makinde led administration.

The Lagos State Government unveiled Q4-Lagos Initiative to enhance tourism through effective capturing of statistics of tourism and entertainment activities in the state.

At the official launch of the initiative,the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture Pharm. (Mrs.) Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, noted that the unveiling of the Q4-Lagos concept came about after several months of research, planning and stakeholders engagement.

According to her,Q4-Lagos, means 4 Quarters consisting of January to March, April to June, July to September and October to December, adding that it was developed as a term that will provide an all-round entertainment and fun for Lagosians and visitors to Lagos State.

She said:“This concept emanated from our findings which revealed that the numbers of visitors and tourists to Lagos State are not captured in statistics. With the idea of the Q4, the statistics of tourism and entertainment activities for each of the quarters can now be easily compiled and collated. The Ministry considered it worrisome that there are no reliable statistics and data about the numbers of visitors or tourists that visit Lagos on yearly basis. The data about their contributions to the state’s economy are often not captured as well.

“The need to change this, and have a more holistic data of tourists to Lagos State brought about the conceptualization of the Q4 Initiative which is intended to be a yearly event that will help market Lagos in such a way that tourists will always be looking forward to spend their holidays in Lagos as tourism and entertainment activities for the four quarters would have been collated for tourists to plan the quarter of the year they will visit Lagos.

“The decision of the Ministry to promote Q4-Lagos Initiatives was inspired by the infamous clarion call “Eko for Show!”, being a callout to the global tourism industry that Lagos is ready to assume her prime position as the destination for Tourism, Hospitality, Events and Holidays in each of the four quarters of the year. This concept also aligns with the mandate of the Ministry to develop and introduce new ideas that will further assist in harnessing the numerous opportunities for the growth and development of Tourism towards driving focus, visitors, and opportunities to Lagos’’

Akinbile-Yussuf reiterated the fact that the main focus is to use the platform of the initiative to establish LAGOS as the premier destination all season through a data-driven calendar of activities that will make data of visitors to the State readily available for immediate use and future reference.

She noted that the Q4 concept is not intended for revenue generation, stressing that the Ministry is interested in data collation of tourism activities to assist us in our planning purposes and statistics.

“Why the Ministry will not want to follow the path of enforcement and compliance, we will not hesitate to sanction any operator or stakeholder that refuses to cooperate with the Ministry in this data collation efforts.

Over 50 children Wednesday took a field trip to the Hubert Ogunde Museum, Ososa to participate in a programme called “I Know My Odogbolu”

It aims to teach children about historic moments and cultural export of the local government, which will develop their emotional and social skills.

The excursion was hosted by the Hon. Ladejobi Shuaib-led administration of Odogbolu Local Government in partnership with Detola Abike Mogaji Memorial Foundation (DAMMF), a community social support driven organization with focus on children, women, youth and vulnerable in society.

The initiative was designed for children desirous of familiarizing themselves with historic sites and scenes in the local government so they could become integrated, confident and happy about their community.

According to Shuaib, who was represented by Onabanjo Ayodele Abimbola, Supervisor for Information, Education, Youth and Sport in the local government, “Just as our administration has demonstrated willingness in promoting our values and notable icons of Odogbolu LG with the artistic design of Odogbolu Local Government secretariat fence, “I Know My Odogbolu” initiative is also one of the ways in which we can bring the younger generation closer to the history, culture and tourism sites of Odogbolu Local Government and by extension Ogun State and also key into the efforts of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in the bid to revive, market and sustain our cultural sites, heritage of our dear state to the international world.”

Commissioner for Special Duties, Barr. Femi Ogunbanwo, implored the parents and teachers to embrace the initiative to further educate and enrich the knowledge of their wards and also allow pupils to have practical contact with some very important places in Odogbolu Local Government and Ogun State at large.

Speaking,the promoter of DAMMF and convener of “I Know My Odogbolu” initiative, Mr. Mogaji Olatunde, said,” This is not just an excursion or tourism experience but an avenue of increasing the knowledge base of the children and it is expected to ignite the passion for service, dignity and hard work in the children as exemplified in the life of the legendary Herbert Ogunde.

“The platform provides an opportunity for the children to have fun and also learn at the same time in a relaxed atmosphere while also enjoying the serenity of the environment and city.”

Also speaking, the coordinator of the initiative, Hon. Olajide Dada, said Hubert Ogunde was a legend while he was alive and in death he still lived up to the legendary status and surpassed every thespian’s dream.

He added:”So, it is expedient we go back in time and nurture our kids in the way of the legend and help them live their dreams.”

One of the children, who took part in the excursion, Miss Ogunniyi Jesuferanmi, said:“We thank the Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Hon Ladejobi Shuaib, and the Detola Abike Mogaji Memorial Foundation (DAMMF) for the great opportunity. We enjoyed the narratives given to us by our tour guide, who explained to us the life and times Hubert Ogunde on how he projected the image Odogbolu and Ogun State to world.”

Ecobank Nigeria, an affiliate of the leading Pan-African banking Group, Ecobank Group,is extending promotion of culture and tradition to the Lagos community through Adire festival, themed ‘EPAC Adire Lagos Experience’.

The exhibition will be held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Lagos from Friday, June 10 till Sunday, June 12, 2022.

Originating from Abeokuta in Southwestern Nigeria, Adire textile is an indigenous indigo-dyed cloth made by using different wax resist methods to create dazzling designs.

Announcing the EPAC Adire Experience, Carol Oyedeji, Executive Director, Commercial Banking at Ecobank Nigeria said the exhibition is in line with the bank’s policy to deliver value beyond banking, adding that it is one of the several initiatives aimed at boosting tourism, culture and the creative industry using Adire as a key driver.

She stated that the exhibition will have different music genres of Yoruba origin; an infusion of local food; and mild atmospheric branding infusion of a wide variety of Adire into the setting to create a nostalgic mood. The festival will attract exhibitors, expatriates, influencers, dignitaries from all walks of life and members of the public.

“The EPAC Adire Lagos Experience is in line with our brand promise as a Pan-African Institution that delivers value to all its stakeholders. We will continue to curate experiences customized to peoples’ lifestyle whilst promoting the richness and diversity of our nation’s culture. The event will feature a series of masterclasses and exhibitions, as well as networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, shoppers and everyone who is interested in the making or trading of Adire. We promise a cozy ambience and utmost serenity to make participants feel comfortable and safe,” she stated.

She noted that the dates of the exhibition were carefully chosen to coincide with the weekend leading to Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

Some of the art and culture exponents expected to attend the fair include Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, a major proponent for Adire in Southwest part of the country; Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, CEO, Adire Oodua Textile Hub & Founder Africa Fashion Week; Iya Oloja of Abeokuta, Adire Market; Joke Ladoja, CEO, Dye Lab; Mrs. Funmi Sosanya, Creative Director, Afume Global Concepts and Moyo Ogunseinde, CEO, Aga Culture & Upbeat, among others.