Adeleke approves upgrade of cultural tourism sites in four towns
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved a series of programmes and projects in line with his administration's tourism and creative industry expansion agenda.
The four major towns’ tourist sites, including Osogbo, Ilesa, Ife, and Ede, are targeted to expand tourist inflow to the various cultural sites in the state by over 60 percent in the next one year.
Aside from direct government intervention, the state government has also adopted a public-private partnership model to develop tourist sites such as the Erin Ijesa Waterfall, among others located in Oriade Local Government.
The goal is to expand financing and ensure sustainability of upgraded tourism sites, stated the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
“The cultural tourist sites approved for phased upgrade spread across the state, with further compilation presently being anchored by the state’s Ministry of Arts and Culture. The sites are being prepared to meet UNESCO recognition.“
Among the first set of approved sites include the Ifá Agbaye Temple at Ile Ife, to cater for the annual global inflow of tourists for the annual Ifa Day celebration.
Land allocation has been secured and further processes are ongoing.
“The second is the Iwude Ijesa project, which was designed to attract tourists and the attention of UNESCO as well as other local and international investors and donors.“
The third is the Sango Timi Shrine project, a site fitting for UNESCO recognition. It encompasses the sacred grove itself, an auditorium, a pavilion, an art and craft workshop, a museum kitchen, among others.“
The Osun Osogbo Shrine is another UNESCO site that remains a continuous state-focused intervention area. The state governor has marked the Osun Osogbo as a global event of statutory state support.“
Governor Adeleke is, however, enforcing observance of the budgetary and procurement process to ensure that the various upgrade and expansion projects are captured within the budget, processed through the procurement process, and posted on the procurement website.
“The governor believes that observing the above due process will ensure budgetary and financial transparency. Osun has maintained a good record of financial transparency since Governor Adeleke took over the leadership of the state.”
Governor Adeleke noted as follows: “Expanding tourist inflow is a cardinal programme within our agenda. As the cradle of the Yoruba nation, we have a lot to showcase to deepen the tourism industry.
“We have identified many cultural sites, and I have directed phased implementation of the upgrade across the state. There are many potential sites for UNESCO recognition in Osun. We want to ensure we implement the upgrades and expansion of those sites to widen global recognition and UNESCO support.
“Our administration is focused on diversifying Osun’s economy by boosting tourism. We have adopted a strong partnership with the private sector to achieve this goal.
“Our administration is, however, enforcing due process in all we do. Our website contains project updates from award to implementation. We are committed to fiscal, budgetary, and procurement transparency,” the state governor was quoted as saying.