Tap into tourism potentials in Nigeria, Gani Adam tells FG, states

The national coordinator of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adam, has urged the federal and state governments to harness the tourism potential in the country as it could be used as a veritable tool for national development and revenue generation.

Adams said that Nigeria has the potential to become the favourite tourism destination in the world, adding that tourism has become a huge business around the world due to the unfavorable oil price.

The OPC leader who stated this at this year’s edition of the Obatala festival held at the Baptist Primary School, Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State, stressed that the Obatala festival was unique because it celebrates Obatala the god of purity who is respected all over the world, adding that the Olokun festival foundation is committed to the promotion of Yoruba culture across Nigeria.

Adams, who is the chief promoter of the Obatala festival said there was the urgent need for the country to diversify its revenue source, adding that the country was blessed with great tourism sites which could be renovated and marketed while new ones built.

He said: “This is a time Nigerian government can use tourism as a veritable tool for national development, all the historic monuments in the country should be renovated and new ones built.

I appeal to state and Federal Government to harness the tourism potential of the country.

“The Obatala festival is unique because we gather here to celebrate Obatala the African god of purity who is most respected all over the world. Today events are lending credence to our avowed commitment to promoting the Yoruba cultural festival,” he added.

In his words, His Royal Majesty, Oba Lasisi Adeoye, Asigangan of Igangan commended Otunba Gani Adams for his unrelenting efforts in the promotion of culture and tourism, adding that government at all levels should give tourism the needed attention.

Also speaking at the festival, Chief Ayo Adewuyi, Jagun of Oyo who represented his Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo eulogised the the OPC leader for his achievement s, noting that he has made remarkable strive with the establishing of the group in 80 countries around the world.

Other personalities present at the festival included HRM Oba Okeniyi Ewuola, Ashawo of Ayete, HRM Oba Samuel Adewuyi Onidofin of Idofin, HRM Oba Fasasi Adekunle Onisangaun of Saganun, Chief Adedokun Jacob Regent of Elenpe Tapa, Chief Raheem Adelodu Bashorun of Iseyin Land and other five chiefs from Iseyin who were there to represent Aseyin of Iseyin and Chief Femi Davies, Publisher of Metro News/Consultant to Olokun Festival Foundation among others.