Osun State has been said to be on the track of becoming a world class tourists’ destination with the state government’s determination to reposition tourism in the state and the impactful cooperation with Oyotunji African Village Sheldon South Carolina USA in culture and heritage tourism.
The Ambassador to the Crown and Kingdom of Oyotunji African Village, South Carolina, USA, Rotimi Vaughan made the statement in Osogbo during the accreditation of the Osun state government’s delegates to the ongoing Oyotunji National Celebrations of Arts,Culture & Heritage Tourism, USA, 2017.
According to Vaughan who was earlier presented with the State Government’s formal letter confirming its full partnering and participation in the historic festival, the event will again put both Oyotunji Village and State of Osun on the world map.
He also added that the state of Osun has huge tourist attraction sites such as natural locations, historical objects, modern constructed international standard facilities with unique local blend that can attract tourists far and near.
He noted that the participation of the State in Oyotunji festivals will help create more awareness and market Osun tourism assets to the entire world.
“Osun is favourably blessed in terms of huge culture and tourism deposits that can attract both local and foreign tourists. There are mountains, ranches, world class museums, Art galleries, waterfalls and other eco tourism centres. I must commend the present administration for creating an enabling environment for tourism business to grow in the state”.
He further stressed that the involvement of Osun government in the festivals will promote bilateral relations in the area of Arts, Tourism, Education, Culture, trade and commerce between Oyotunji, the United States of America and the entire North American continent and Osun & Nigeria as a whole adding that a very large number of Nigerians, Africans and non Africans are expected to participate in this year celebration.
Vaughan while urging the delegates to be good ambassador of the state, noted that highly revered traditional rulers, youths and notable stakeholders from Osun and Yoruba land at large will be attending the event.
He informed that the collaboration is expected to create a meaningful relationship between the State of Osun and corporate bodies in securing support that would shoulder the sponsorship of the state government delegates, while also contributing immensely to the development of Oyotunji Village during the festival.
Commending the state government for showing genuine interest in the programme, he emphasized the need for the further support of the government and Yoruba Obas to sustain the dream of making Oyotunji village a better cultural home for African Americans in North America and beyond.
“It may interest you to know that so many African Americans do come to Oyotunji to learn Yoruba Culture, the deities, Yoruba tradition and language. As a matter of fact, African Americans want their culture back, therefore the support of our Obas and other Yoruba stakeholders are required.
“Their developmental support for Oyotunji village shall be seen as the support for the entire Yoruba race in North America”, he stated.
He also commended the great works of HRM Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II in promoting the African culture in the US, the entire North American region and the world at large.
Vaughan, however, asserted that the delay and shift in the previously slated dates was due to the logistics challenges the festival partnering organizers had to overcome, and the crucial and strategic steps the parties, including government and notable stakeholders had to accomplish to make the event a historic one.
Reacting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Hon. Taiwo Oluga reassured of the present administration commitment in making the state a tourism hub of international standard.
While commending the organisers for their efforts in promoting impacting friendship, sustainable economic and socio cultural growth across the globe, she informed that the state delegates are in high spirit to make Osun and the entire black race proud at the festival.
According to the formal letter of the State of Osun, the festival is slated to kick off from the 27th October 2017 with the arrival of the state delegate on the same date.
The State of Osun governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is billed to be represented at the Oyotunji Festivals by his Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, Hon. (Mrs.) Taiwo Oluga who is bill to lead the state delegates.
Packaged by Rahman Salami
