The Governor, State of Osun, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola described the Osun Master plan for Culture and Tourism for Sustainable Economy as a laudable component of the state’s comprehensive template for expanding the state’s economic diversification programme, while improving its internal revenue generation drive and bolstering the reputation and image of the state. The governor made this remark as he kicked off the Tourism Master Plan for the State recently.
According to him, this novel initiative is aimed at putting in place a cohesive and coordinated plan to radically improve the potential in the Culture and Tourism Sector for the development of the State, by deploying intellectualism which is the strength of any enterprise towards driving the potentials in the sector for optimum performance and gains.
The governor said the choice of the theme “Unveiling of Osun Sterling Tourism Vision 30-30” is apt in view of the fact that, it is coming at a time, when the country and the State of Osun in particular need to look away from oil and diversify the economy in all ramifications.
He emphasized the need to bring investors to the state for a mutually beneficial engagement, by introducing some of the many Tourism sites like OLUMIRIN water fall at Erin Ijesha, AYIKUNNU water fall at Oke-Ila, OWALA Resort at Okinni, KARELE OODUA Village, Ila Orangun, MOUNTAIN RESORT, Iragbji, Iba, Otan Ayegbaju, IPETUMODU YOUTH POTTERY AND CRAFT CENTRE, Ipetumodu, JALUMI SPORTS CLUB, Inisa (close to Otin River) IGILA BOTANICAL GARDEN, Iwara near Iwo and OSUN INTERNATIONAL ARTS AND CRAFTS VILLAGE, Iragbiji.
This is a major way to develop a home grown Public Private Partnership investment model that will take care of immediate needs of the stakeholders and pledge a promising future for the participants on key issues of land, reward system, tax matters and providing the basis of relationship with committed employment and Social responsibilities to the community.
The Governor of the State of Osun did not mince words while explaining the fact that Agri-Tourism helps to preserve rural lifestyles and landscape and also offers the opportunity to provide Sustainable “Green” tourism. The Identification of “Agri-Tourism” as the refinement of the farms, hospitality, trades between farmers, and the holidays offer on the farms, he said, represent an important pillar to pick up the fallen prices of the primary products.
The launch of the State of Osun Tourism Master Plan and Tourism For Sustainable Economy could be described as spectacular as groups from the nooks and crannies of the state came up to entertain the guests which included almost all the members of the state executive council and other important dignitaries from the state and beyond.
Highlight of the event was the Award ceremony where notable and prominent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in various vocations were honoured, some posthumously; Duro Ladipo for his contributions to indigenous Drama. His play “Oba Koso” was adjudged a world class master piece. Also Owomoyela, (Orlando Owoh) a master of his own genre of music.
Governor Oyetola made a cogent reference to the undisputable fact that many performing artists especially the high ranking ones, started to ply their various vocations from the State of Osun, Osogbo in particular.
King Sunny Ade was mentioned as one of the musicians who actually started off in Osogbo and particular reference was made to his relationship with the Late Orlando Owoh.
Other notable Nigerians who were given special Awards were, Lere Panimo (Eda Onileola), Alhaji Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande) (Both of them were in Osogbo in their formative years).
Late Oyin Adejobi also bagged a posthumous award in Arts and Culture. Some prominent State indigenes were also honoured. Chief Adegboye Onigbinde from Modakeke was given a special Award for his unsurpassed contributions to football in Nigeria.
Disabusing the minds of those who might be wondering what Vision 30-30 actually stands for the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in the State of OSun, Dr Ade Obawale said the state will be celebrating, thirty years of its creation, making the “Vision 30-30” a worthwhile project of the State of Osun at 30.
The State of Osun is home to some of the most authentic expressions of culture and tradition like the beautiful ancient palaces, traditional architecture and many others too numerous to mention.
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