A traditional chief in Ibadanland, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke, has charged governments at all levels to show more commitment to improve the tourism sector in order to tap the inherent benefits from it.
Adegoke who is the Ajia Balogun of Ibadanland, made the call while speaking with journalists at the celebration of his family compound tagged, ‘Abose Day 2020’, held at UMC, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
He stated that there was an urgent need for the governments to develop the nation’s huge tourism potentials for economic development.
He described culture and tourism as goldmines waiting to be tapped, maintaining that it was high time government diversified from petroleum to culture and tourism, which he said was the sole source of economy of some great countries.
He said, “Government at all levels should explore all the potentials in culture and tourism for economic development and growth. Tourism is a multifaceted and multidimensional activity. It is not just about fun, it is business and government should look at the business aspect. It makes more money than most other industries.
“Saudi Arabia has more oil than Nigeria, but what Saudi gets from ‘religious tourism’ is unquantifiable. I was in China recently, there is a place called Old City where their Emperor used to stay; they have turned it around and they make huge money from it.
“I want us to join hands to sell culture and tourism because oil is finishing. Nigeria is rich in culture and tourist destination that can yield good return on investment. Every state should develop its culture and tourism. So, rather than wait for stipend from federal government, they can actually make lots of money from it.
“Every local government area you go in Nigeria, particularly in Oyo State, there is an investible tourist potential, culture and tourism is consumed at source.
“Those sites, like hills, historical structures and other natural habitat cannot be moved to other location, So, the local communities will always benefit if the potentials are well taped.
“It is the only viable alternative to oil and government should place more priority on culture and tourism.
“Many countries which Nigeria is even more endowed than are earning immense benefits from tourism. Nigeria is so endowed in tourism, looking at the cultural diversity and the natural environment.’’
The Executive Director, OES Energy Services Limited and its subsidiaries, while speaking on Abose Day, said it was an annual event which initially was being celebrated at the family compound but now decided to make it public and international.
He disclosed that in September this year when Ibadan Day would be celebrated in United States of America, he would be there as an Abose person to project the family name.
