The Rauf Aregbesola-led government in Osun State has formally confirmed its support and the readiness of the state’s delegates to participate in the ongoing 2017 Oyotunji-Nigeria Cultural heritage celebration holding at Sheldon, South Carolina, USA.
Speaking at the Bureau of Culture and Tourism during the presentation of official letter confirming the support and participation of the state, the Special Adviser to Governor on Culture and Tourism, Mrs Taiwo Oluga informed that the Governor has approved the attendance of the state’s delegates at the festival.
She explained that the approved delegates include stakeholders and cultural performers who are expected to display outstanding cultural performances thereby showcasing the unique and rich culture of Osun State.
She added that the state government remains committed to the development of Culture and Tourism with the hope of getting alternative income to boost the economy of the state.
“It is interesting that our culture is being promoted and celebrated in far away America. Our state’s participation will enhance robust bilateral cultural relations.”
“Tourism is a great tool to combat poverty and government is aware that tourism thrives when there is conducive and secured environment. Hence the government investment in good road network, security of lives and properties, rehabilitation and upgrading of existing sites, beautification of cities, creating new socio cultural entertainment parks among others” She stated.
Oluga, however, praised the organisers for giving the state an international platform to showcase the rich culture of the state and assured that the government is committed to the success of the programme by ensuring the speedy issuance of all necessary supportive governmental documentations for the participants from the state.
In his response, Rotimi Vaughan who led Oyotunji festivals team to the state Government Secretariat commends Governor Rauf Aregbesola for his outstanding support for the festival.
He described the Governor as a visionary leader who has painstakingly prepared the state to be financially buoyant in couple of years with the solid foundation he’s laying in term of putting up International standard facilities and infrastructures across the state.
According to him, Osun is wonderfully blessed with historical ecotourism, festivals and historical cultural heritage. Stressing that the participation of the state in the cultural programme will eventually attract more tourists to Osun, especially the Afro-Americans who desire to connect with their roots
Vaughan hinted that the State government has agreed to work with the organizers in ensuring that delegates join other tourists from all walks of life as scheduled in a couple of weeks at the Oyotunji festival.
While commending the Royal father of Oyotunji African Village, Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi for promoting the Nigerian culture, Vaughan informed that Oyotunji is the first black African tourist destination in North America and that the African village survived several decades back on tourism and Yoruba Culture.
He emphasized that the state delegates through this programme will inject other models of generating revenue into Osun economy after returning.
He described Oyotunji festival as a cultural and tourism promotions initiative set to promote strategic cultural, economic and bi literal between Nigeria and Oyotunji African Village, Sheldon, Carolina, United States of America.
Sent in by Lekan Odediran
