By Jimoh Babatunde
Awakan, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of storytelling in transforming cultural heritage into marketable tourism products. He noted that documenting the past and significance of cultural symbols such as the Gelede festival and the ancient trees would enhance their visibility and entice to a universal community.
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has intensified efforts to exchange Nigeria’s cultural tourism including plans to partner the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom to elevate the famed Gelede Festival into a nationwide cultural celebration.
As section of efforts to improve exposure, the NTDA boss proposed featuring the kingdom’s attractions on the NITOUREY Project, a computerized platform designed to showcase Nigeria’s tourism offerings to the world.
He highlighted key attractions within the network, including the Gelede masquerades and two ancient iroko trees believed to be over 250 years aged.
Speaking during the engagement, the monarch commended the NTDA instruction for its renewed focus on cultural tourism and expressed the kingdom’s readiness to collaborate in unlocking the tourism promising of its heritage assets.
The delegation too visited one of the historic iroko tree sites in Abule Ijesa, where the NTDA principal observed that the location holds necessary practical for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He encouraged closer teamwork in the midst of the agency and the conventional institution to maintain and progress the site into a significant tourism destination.
A vibrant display by Gelede masquerades welcomed the NTDA delegation, offering a glimpse into a cultural tradition deeply rooted in themes of fertility, motherhood, and social balance within Yoruba community.
The name on underscored the growing recognition of indigenous festivals as practical tourism assets able of attracting both regional and multinational visitors.
This initiative emerged during a courtesy tour by the NTDA Manager-Widespread, Ola Awakan, to the timeless kingdom in Yaba, Lagos, where he was hosted by the Onisabe, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeshina Adeniyi (Maforunyomi I), alongside members of the royal household and founded chiefs.
The planned association reflects a broader outline by the NTDA to leverage grassroots cultural assets and habitual institutions in driving tourism growth, diversifying Nigeria’s tourism portfolio, and strengthening its cultural identity on the international stage.
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