The Aarekakanfo of Yoruba land, Oba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has emphasized the need for collaboration between government bodies, traditional leaders, and educational institutions to actively promote cultural heritage and languages across the nation.
He advocates for a stronger relationship among these crucial sectors to stimulate tourism and foster economic development.
Addressing attendees at the Odo Erelu Festival 2023 in Meiran, Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos, Adams highlighted the significance of the event in projecting the cultural identity of the Yoruba people.
The Odo-Erelu Festival, a longstanding tradition in Meiran town, has successfully sustained cultural promotion activities for over two decades.
In urging traditional rulers, Adams called for concerted efforts to champion and showcase the diverse festivals within their respective kingdoms. He emphasized the multifaceted benefits of celebrating festivals, citing their role as not only tourism and economic boosters but also as sources of spiritual enrichment.
Adams observed that globally, more than 1001 cultural festivals are celebrated, with cultural tourism emerging as a catalyst for hope and development. He pointed out the transformative impact of tourism, fostering robust connections, business networks, and contributing to global growth and development.
As the founder of the Oodua People’s Congress, Gani Adams underscored the importance of understanding and preserving cultural traditions, asserting that a people’s identity is best defined through their culture.
He drew attention to the Kumbh Mela festival in India as a prime example, illustrating the profound impact of significant cultural events on a global scale.
IMAGE: Phenomenal
