Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo and National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), has urged both the Federal and state governments to increase investment in Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage to enhance tourism and boost foreign revenue.
In a speech on Friday, Adams stressed that tackling insecurity is essential to unlocking the full potential of the tourism sector. He emphasized that tourism presents endless economic opportunities, unlike mineral resources, which are finite in nature.
Adams also commended the people of Egbaland for their celebration of the Lisabi Festival, which is expected to generate around N10bn for Nigeria’s economy this year.
His remarks came during the Olumo Festival at the Olumo Rock Tourist Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, which is part of the ongoing Lisabi Festival.
He underlined that, with proper development, tourism could provide a steady stream of foreign earnings for Nigeria.
“Tourism is a gold mine that can never be exhausted,” Adams remarked, calling on the government to improve security and create a conducive environment for the sector’s growth.
He also pointed to successful tourism models in countries like Thailand and the UK, where millions of tourists visit each year, as evidence of what Nigeria could achieve.
The OPC leader further highlighted that the Olumo Festival plays a vital role in uniting the Egba people globally, fostering national unity and cultural cohesion.
Adams reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that preserve and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, expressed his pleasure at the successful celebration of this year’s Lisabi Festival, urging continued unity and collaborative efforts for the advancement of Egbaland and Nigeria as a whole.
Oba Gbadebo also thanked Governor Dapo Abiodun for his dedication to enhancing the Olumo Rock Tourist Centre, including the renovation of the center’s elevators.
