Economic Recession: Ooni Canvasses Support for Tourism to Boost Economy

By Abdulrofiu Agboola, Osogbo

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has advocated support for the development of tourism sector as part of efforts to rescue the nation out of her present economic predicaments.

The revered monarch said for Nigeria to bid farewell to her socio-economic and political crises, thus, efforts must be geared up to support non-oil sectors.

Oba Ogunwusi made the call while addressing the ecstatic mammoth crowd at the 2017 celebration of ‘AJE’ festival (festival of wealth) in Ile-Ife.

The event which was attended by people from all walks of life was said to have been a huge source of promoting tourism in Nigeria and beyond.

The foremost African traditional ruler who berated the poor management of the nation’s potentials, said with tourism alone, Nigeria has the potential to rule the continent.

Oba Ogunwusi described tourism as one of the untapped lucrative sectors in the country, saying the ancient town of Ile-Ife has devised tourism revolution as veritable tool in battling recession.

Ooni expressed regrets over the abysmal management of resources in Nigeria and Africa in general in the past, suggesting that trade by barter remains one of the best trading systems in the world.

The renowned traditional ruler averred that Nigeria and other African countries began to have economic challenges when they relegated traditional trading methods.

Attributing the socio-economic challenges bedeviling the country to palpable negligence of natural potentiality, Oba Ogunwusi said Nigeria is economically challenged because the citizens had failed to respect and pay obeisance to what deserved it.

Proffering solutions to the nation’s economic woes, Ooni advised that the nature should be upheld in addition to massive involvement in agriculture.

According to him, “It is because we are not paying obeisance to what we should be paying it to that is why we are like this because before colonisation started, our forefathers did all these and they survived in abundance”.

“We are paying obeisance to the creation of God. Aje is something that everybody craves for. If we do what we are supposed to do, we will be a leading country in the world as it used to be and things will turn around for good”, he added..

Affirming the commitment of the town to socio-economic, cultural and political renaissance, Ooni said, “It is even turning around for us already in Ile-Ife because we don’t have anything that we do than worship the Almighty God and paying high obeisance to nature as mysteries created by God in which nobody can do without, that is why everything is booming for us despite the recession”.

“We are focusing on agriculture and youths empowerment too. This is one thing other race and nation can emulate”, he canvassed.

While explaining the significance of the festival, Oba Ogunwusi narated that ‘Aje’ (deity of wealth) was a mother and goddess created at the dawn of time and sent to the earth alongside ‘Olokun’ (goddess of oceans).

“Since then, ‘Aje’ and ‘Olokun’ have become the supernatural benefactors of earthly wealth for mankind”, Ooni narrated.

In her remarks, the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo who led hundreds of leaders of market women across the country, urged leaders in the country to explore the economic potential of ‘AJE’ festival in revamping tourism.

“Today is about our tradition, culture. Aje is a very important festival to boost our economy. I hope government will provide the enabling environment to keep this up. All countries have their tradition and ways of getting things resolved. Our leaders should work tirelessly to ensure that recession is not allowed to stay”, she advocated.

Corroboratingthe statement, a key promoter of ‘AJE’ festival and a Lagos based business mogul, Mrs. Toyin Kolade, described the festival as a catalyst for economic and commercial greater in Nigeria.

Mrs. Kolade who doubles as Iyalaje of Apapa, Lagos expressed satisfaction at the success of the 2017 ‘AJE’ festival, saying “to live long and have good health, you need to pay for something. The importance of Aje is beyond a mere celebration, it is a collection of all forms of trading to build the economy of the nation. It is a uniting factor to wealth and an element that no one dislikes”.

However, the popular musician, Wasiu Ayinde (Kwam 1), saluted the determination of the Ooni Ogunwusi for ensuring that culture of the yoruba race does not perish.

He said, “I am here to celebrate Aje which symbolises wealth. I congratulate Ooni for being the custodian of tradition. This celebration further shows the richness of Yoruba culture, traditions, norms and values and this should continue”.

In their separate remarks, Owa Eredunmi of Ife, Oba Olaoluwa Omiwenu; Obalara of Ile-Ife, Chief oluwagbemiga Adebayo and Lowa Ate of Ife, High Chief Adebowale Olafare, described ‘AJE’ festival as “real solution to economic recession”.

Meanwhile, ‘AJE’ fondly called “Oguguluso Onisooboji” formed ‘Ejigbomekun’ market as the first market in the world with the joint efforts of “Oranfe Onile ina and Obatala owuro kutukutu”.

“Ejigbomekun” market became the birthplace for profit, wealth, business, trade, advancement and economic development.

‘AJE’ is a deity associated with festivities like Olojo festiva