News

Abiodun Pledges Facelift for Olumo Rock, other Heritage Sites

By Web News 85

By Abimbola Bamgbose

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans for the comprehensive renovation and restoration of the state’s major cultural and heritage sites, as part of ongoing efforts to boost tourism and preserve cultural assets.

Speaking at the 38th Lisabi Day celebration held at the Ake Palace Pavilion in Abeokuta, with the theme “Back to Land: Panacea for Food Sustainability and Youth Employment in Egbaland,” Governor Abiodun revealed that one of the key tourist attractions in the state, Olumo Rock, will soon undergo a facelift to enhance its appeal and attract more visitors.

“Our administration is undertaking a massive renovation of all cultural heritage sites across the state. Just last week, I visited Olumo Rock and was not impressed with its condition, especially considering it receives over 20,000 visitors annually. I assure you that in a matter of weeks, Olumo Rock will wear a befitting new look,” he said.

Governor Abiodun emphasized the significance of the Lisabi Day celebration, describing it not just as a remembrance of a heroic figure, but as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage and enduring values of the Egba people.

Highlighting the importance of cultural festivals, the governor noted that such celebrations help preserve tradition while also promoting cultural tourism, which in turn drives local economies and empowers communities.

Governor Abiodun commended the theme of this year’s celebration, stating that it aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Ogun State’s policy thrust on food security and youth engagement.

“This year’s theme is a clarion call to harness the nation’s fertile land as a key driver of economic resilience. We will continue to roll out initiatives that promote organic farming, agroecology, and community-based agricultural practices. These efforts will not only boost food production but also create jobs and preserve the environment,” he said.

He further disclosed that his administration is aggressively pursuing infrastructural development, with the reconstruction of all major highways leading into the state already underway.

In his remarks, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo, expressed appreciation to Governor Abiodun for attending the 38th edition of the festival despite his busy schedule.

He described the celebration as a new dawn for Egbaland, signaling the beginning of greater things to come.

Environment

Ogun to Position Olumo Rock as Top Tourism Destination

By Web News 156

By Abimbola Bamgbose

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Olumo Rock into Nigeria’s top tourism destination.

During an inspection of the Olumo Rock Tourist Center, the governor emphasized that tourism would now be a key focus of his government’s economic strategy, recognizing the sector’s vast potential for revenue generation and cultural preservation.

He noted that a comprehensive plan would be developed to enhance the site’s infrastructure and presentation, ensuring it meets international standards.

Highlighting Olumo Rock’s significance as Ogun State’s foremost tourist attraction, the governor assured that the present administration would invest in its restoration, maintenance, and long-term sustainability.

“Tourist sites like Olumo Rock embody our rich culture, history, and traditions. We must preserve and protect them as they serve as a bridge between our past and future generations. If we do not take deliberate steps to maintain and develop them, they risk deterioration,” he added.

Abiodun commended those managing the site and pledged to introduce improvements that will elevate its status as a must-visit destination for both local and international tourists.

Lifestyle

Olumo Rock Loses ‘Mother’

By Web News 977

Custodian of the popular Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Chief Mrs. Sinatu Aduke Sanni, known as ‘Iya Olumo’ is dead.

Iya Olumo, regarded as the mother goddess of the tourist center, reportedly died during a brief illness at the age of 137 years.

A relative, Mr. Solomon Adio, who confirmed the death, said the Olumo deity custodian died at her Itoko residence.

Olumo Rock in Abeokuta was reportedly used as a natural fortress during an inter-tribal war by the residents around the area and against wild animals.

The Rock had since become an attraction to people visiting Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Late Iya Olumo had also become another attraction to tourists as she was always available to furnish visitors with information about the Rock.

Wale Oluokun

News Analysis

Promoting Nigeria’s Tourism Sector

By Web News 1081

Tourism is the activity of people traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for leisure and pleasure.

It has become an important sector that has an impact on development of a country’s economy.

It has thus become a money spinner for many countries.

The benefits of tourism include income generation and creation of jobs.

When tourists spend their monies on goods and services, it can lead to creation of jobs.

Tourism is a major source of employment, and also contributes to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, of the country.

Not only that, it also provides financial support for the conservation of ecosystem and natural resource management making the place more attractive and desirable to visitors.

To a large extent, the tourism sector fosters integration and unity among the nations of the world as well as generate foreign exchange.

Some of the tourist sites in Nigeria are the Olumo Rock, Idanre Hills, the National Theatre, Yankari Games Reserve, Old Oyo National Park, Olumirin Waterfalls, Obudu Cattle Ranch, Osun Osogbo Groove, Ikogosi Warm Spring, Tinapa Resorts, Zuma Rock and Mambilla Plateau.

Some countries such as United States of America, France, China, United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Kenya and Egypt are benefitting tremendously from tourism.

However, a lot of factors such as insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, poor road network, crisis and conflicts among others have hindered the development of tourism in the country.

For instance, a lot of tourists have stayed away from visiting Nigeria in the last 3 years as a result of insecurity ranging from insurgency to militancy.

The time has come for the country to harness the potential in the tourism sector in order to protect its culture and heritage.

To do this, government at all levels should commit a lot of money to the development of the tourism sector.

Also, federal government needs to create a conducive environment so that visitors could be attracted to the nation’s tourist sites.

The provision of efficient transportation, stable power supply, water and telecommunications will make Nigeria a tourism destination for foreign nationals.

Above all, there should be attitudinal change by states and local government to improve their Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, through tourism development thereby reducing dependence on federal allocation.

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