The national coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress, Otunba Gani Adams and the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi have called for more attention to cultural tourism as a way of diversifying Nigeria ‘ economy from oil.
The Alafin, who was represented by the Bashorun of Oyo, Chief Ayoade Olawuyi during the 2017 edition of the annual Aje Festival in Lagos said that there is a strong need to shift focus from oil to tourism .
The Alafin, while making his remarks at the occasion commend the organizers of the festival and called for more commitment to cultural promotion.
The Oyo monarch also charged the Yorubas to eschew betrayal and join hands to promote the Yoruba cultural heritage for economic advantage . The OPC national coordinator, Adams in his welcome address said “Over the years, we have sponsored major events and cultural festivals across Yoruba land. We have made great impact in areas of ensuring that the Yoruba race retains its pride of place both in Nigeria and all over the world.”
Adams told a large gathering of OPC members at the event that “I am happy to tell you that today; the result of our achievement is obvious for everybody to see, mostly, in all the Southwest states of the country and beyond.”
We know, certainly at this juncture that our tomorrow is definitely going to be better than today, the handwriting is very bold to see.” Adams assured.
The OPC chief, while speaking on the Aje deity said “Now is the time to appreciate Aje, the deity that is in charge of fortunes and prosperity.”
He also added that “Aje is apparently the most sought- after in life and God, the Supreme Being has created a kind of unique spiritual affinity between man and wealth.
“In the developed world, they make adequate spiritual consultations before embarking on any developmental projects.” Adams stated.
He also continued “They research into the spiritual realm, mainly to have a clear – cut idea of what to do, how to do it, and when to do it in the physical world, to achieve optimal success.”
The Olokun Festival Foundation chief advised that “That is food for thought for Nigeria and Nigerians. It is sad that Nigeria could be in this sorry situation, despite its huge human and natural resources.”
He further advised that “It is an irony of fate that Nigeria’s budget keeps increasing annually, yet there is little to show for it. And the truth is: We have lost touch with the spiritual realm, we believe wrongly in the ability of our leaders.”
Adams averred that “Even at that, this is my modest proposal to the Federal Government: The global economic crisis and the eventual fall of the oil price in the world market is a strong indication that we cannot continue to be over-dependent on oil. God has really blessed us as a nation, we have to explore our tourism potentials by creating wealth, thus, using what we have to get what we want.”
The OPC chief also advised that “Now that the present situation continues to bite hard on the people, we have to look inwards.”
Dignititaries at the event, which was celebrated in Isokoko area of Agegee include: Bashorun Ayoade Adewuyi ,Chief Victor Adewale ,the Coordinator of the Oodua Progressive Union, Otunba Femi Davies and Chief Olufemi Tonade amongst others.
Packaged by Alice Egbedele
