By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan.
Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun has declared that the state government is to engage the state’s cultural-tourism potentials as a means of generating revenue.
Also, the Commissioner said the state will soon host a tourism summit, celebrate Amala Fiesta, promote Yoruba traditional wedding ceremonies and resuscitate tourist sites and monuments.
Mr Arulogun stated these in Iseyin at the weekend during a facility tour of the Old NYSC camp ground, venue of the September 27th World Tourism Day tagged Aso Ofi Day.
He pointed out that the gesture was part of the moves by the present administration in the state towards boosting the state’s economy and improves the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR).
“We need to promote, support and uphold our cultural heritage. By doing this, our economy will improve, and things will turn around for us in this state. Also, the onus is on every citizen of this state, both at home and in the diaspora to support the promotion of our local fabric, Aso-Ofi for the growth of our fashion tourism. This will definitely improve our IGR and uplift the economy of this state”, he said.
According to Mr. Arulogun the time has come for the government and the people of the state to promote the cultural heritage of the state, saying the new cotton farm initiative by some local governments in the state was a pointer to better days ahead.
Speaking further, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism said the state government “will shortly host a tourism summit, celebrate Amala Fiesta, promote Yoruba traditional wedding ceremonies and resuscitate our tourist sites and monuments.
The Commissioner then frowned at the low patronage of locally fabricated textile, saying if properly harnessed and promoted by indigenes as well as residents of the state, it would boost the economy and increase the IGR.
The Caretaker Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, Mr. Saheed Alaran while receiving the Commissioner declared that the state government was making adequate preparations towards ensuring a hitch-free Tourism day meant to celebrate the state’s rich cultural heritage in Iseyin, the base of the locally fabricated textile, Aso Ofi.
Mr Alaran assured that the local government was ready to support the state government in the successful hosting of the event particularly through the construction of Ajumose Weaving Sheds in each ward of the local government.
He disclosed that the sheds would be ready for commissioning and handover to weavers during the event.
