TOURISM: Osun Government To Host Oodua Festival June 23rd – 25th – FTAN
…. As State Board Lauds Gov Adeleke, Ooni Over Culture Promotion, Development…
Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), has announced that Osun state government will host the South West Oodua Festival 2024.
This is as the state Tourism board lauded Gov Ademola Adeleke, and the Ooni of Ife for culture promotion, and development.
This was confirmed by the FTAN Southwest Vice President, Mr Tunde Kolade during the stakeholders meeting held at the Center for Black Culture, in Osogbo on Tuesday.
While addressing the pressmen, Tunde Kolade explained that Osun stare will host ODUAFEST 2024 in Osogbo where all states in the Southwest will be in attendance, noting that this will improve tourism infrastructure, and foster collaborations that drive growth and development in Osun state.
He also added that tourism investors are involved in the program alongside relevant stakeholders and lovers of culture.
According to Kolade, “We are here today in preparation for the upcoming Oodua Festival 2024, and Osun state is lucky to play host to other Southwestern states to promote Yoruba culture.
“Oodua Festival will be held between 23rd and 25th of June, 2024 to treasure cultural events that showcases the rich traditions and customs of our people,” FTAN Vice President said.
In his keynote address, Chairman Osun State Tourism Board, Hon Taiwo Kayode Adeleke, explained that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration stands out in promoting Yoruba culture among other states which earned Osun the privilege of hosting the regional cultural event.
He urged all stakeholders to contribute and actively participate for the success of the festival, adding that exhibition of various dimension will hold at the three days program.
His address read in part; “We at the tourism board have the objective of helping to foster policies and programs that will promote the growth and development of tourism and cultural heritage in Osun state.
“Hence the call for the pioneers and leaders in tourism arts and cultural heritage for a stakeholders meeting with the FTAN committee on the Oodua festival, which we are honored to be hosting in Osun state.
“The Oodua Festival will boost the development of the tourism sector in the state, as well as the rich traditions and customs of our people. As stakeholders, your contributions are vital to the success of this festival, and I encourage you to actively participate in the discussions and share your valuable insights and expertise.
“By being a part of this event, you are not only helping to preserve our cultural heritage but also playing a crucial role in promoting tourism and economic growth in our region. Your involvement will help us create a more vibrant and sustainable tourism industry that benefits our communities and showcases our unique cultural identity to the world.
“Throughout this meeting, we will explore ways to enhance the Oodua Festival experience, improve tourism infrastructure, and foster collaborations that drive growth and development in our state. I urge you to engage in open and constructive dialogue, share your ideas, and build meaningful connections with fellow stakeholders.
“Together, let us work towards a common goal of making the Oodua Festival a flagship event that showcases our cultural excellence and tourism potential, – the Tourism Board Chairman stated.
Earlier in her welcome address, Osun State Tourism Board Coordinator, Mrs Oluwatoyin Ajayi, appreciated the Ooni of Ife, HIM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and Governor Ademola Adeleke for the support and approval when FTAN Southwest Executives presented the program.
According to her; “With our common interest regarding this Regional event, we have great chances for dialogue, for everyone to have better understanding of our intention to stage the first regional campaign for inbound tourism in Nigeria, and for us to listen to the event’s agenda and take actions.
“I would like to thank the Chairman, Osun State Tourism Board, Hon Taiwo Kayode Adeleke for his support and contributions during the presentation of the project by FTAN Southwest Executives to the state government. We are highly honoured to have our father, Arole Oduduwa, the Oonirisa, His Imperial Majesty, Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi who accepted ODUAFEST as his project, and gave the go ahead to organize the first edition.
“Also, we would like to thank, Professor Siyan Oyeweso for joining our quest and supporting the concept of using our multi-cultural resources to promote regional tourism, economic development and cultural integration in Nigeria.
“My special appreciation and sincere thanks to H.E. Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun State, who will officially declare ODUAFEST OSUN 2024 open in the company of other SouthWest Governors.