Cultural tourism can bail Nigeria out of economic recession ~ Arulogun …unveils Amala fiesta logo

By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan.
Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun has declared that cultural tourism could free Nigeria from the present economic recession.
The Commissioner stated this in Ibadan at the public presentation of the brand identity and brand ambassador for the forthcoming Amala Fiesta held at the Western hall.
According to the Commissioner, the numerous potentials embedded in cultural tourism could free the country from economic recession if properly harnessed, adding that
culture and tourism sectors are key revenue earners.
The Commissioner pointed out that culture and tourism sector could be a viable revenue earner for states in the country if developed through the preservation, propagation and promotion of their cultural heritage.
Speaking on Amala, the Commissioner disclosed that “since Amala, which is a delicacy synonymous to Oyo State, has gained worldwide acceptance and has become a national pride for the state, the onus is on the Ministry to celebrate every variety of the flour meal, and promote the state’s food culture from December 15th to 17th, 2016”.
“Amala Fiesta also known as Ajodun Oka is not just a food and cultural tourism event, but a celebration of the Yoruba food culture and Oyo State’s foremost delicacy which has become a national pride with international presence and worldwide acceptance”, he said.
The Commissioner who urged firms in the food, edibles, and beverages sector to collaborate with the state government, assured that Amala fiesta presents a huge opportunity for them to tap into, saying “Oyo state in general and Ibadan in particular which is the venue of the Amala fiesta presents a huge and homogenous population for brands in different markets to tap into”.
He then acknowledged pioneer partners of the fiesta including Tourist Care, Hospitality Association of Nigeria (TCHAN), Ministry of Local Government, Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter (ALGON), and Canteen Owners Association of Nigeria.