Osun Festival: Aare Gani Adams Calls For Overhauling Of Tourism Sector

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has called for the total overhauling of the tourism sector in the country.

Adams made the call at the grand finale of 2018 Osun-Osogbo festival in Osogbo.

He said government must urgently diversify tourism market, place more attention on tourism in order to create enabling environment for global investment.

Adams said that if government was truly interested in using tourism to drive the nation’s economy, private sector needed to be encouraged to invest.

He said, ” All over the world, tourism development is centred on private sector initiative.

” Tourism is one of the economic boosters globally. It is also a revenue generating industry, if propeely harnessed.

“As a regular traveler, there is no gainsaying that Nigeria is the most endowed nation in the continent of Africa. But what do we make of it?.

” I am appealing to the Nigerians government to invest in tourism, reduce foreign trips and make our tourist sites attractive.

“The quality of our policy direction should be adjusted to suite the present realities of ecotourism development . What we need most in Nigeria today is complete overhauling of our tourism sector .”

“If we want to truly use tourism to use tourism to drive the nation’s economy , then the private section needs to be encouraged.”

“I will like to make it clear also that African must play a big role in the development of the world. It is a new world entirely and Nigeria must assume the leading role. Nigeria must take its pride of place as the leading country on the continent of African ”

” Government should also provide security for holiday makers”.

Adams said the celebration of Osun-Osogbo festival would continue to attract foreigners as well as promoting cultural value in the country.

The Osun-Osogbo groove is recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Also speaking, the Personal Assistant to the Governor of Osun on Tourism, Mrs Taiwo Oluga, reiterated the state government commitment to boost the state tourist centres.

He appreciated Aare Gani Adams for contributions towards the success of Osun Osogbo festival, saying the they would leave no stone unturned to boost the state economy through tourism.