…Osun Tourism Board lauds Gov Adeleke, Ooni’s efforts

Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), has confirmed that Osun State will host the regional Odua Festival 2024.

This was confirmed by the Southwest Vice President of Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr Tunde Kolade during the Southwest stakeholders meeting held in Osogbo on Tuesday.

While speaking with the Journalists at the meeting, Tunde Kolade explained that Osun will host ODUFEST 2024 in Osogbo where all states in the Southwest will be in attendance, noting that this will improve tourism infrastructure, and foster collaborations that drive growth and development in Osun state.

“We are here today in preparation for the upcoming Oodua Festival2024. Osun is lucky to play host to other Southwestern states to promote Yoruba culture.

“Odua Festival will be held between 23rd and 25the of June, 2024 to treasure cultural events that showcase the rich traditions and customs of our people,” FTAN Vice President said.

In his keynote address, Chairman Osun State Tourism Board, Hon Taiwo Kayode Adeleke, explained that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration stands out in promoting Yoruba culture among other states which earned Osun the privilege of hosting the regional cultural event.

He urged all stakeholders to contribute and actively participate for the success of the festival.

The address read in part; “We at the tourism board help foster policies and programs that will promote the growth and development of tourism and cultural heritage in Osun state.

“Hence the call for the pioneers and leaders in tourism arts and cultural heritage for a stakeholders meeting with the Ftan committee on the Odua festival which we are honored to be hosting in Osun state.

“The Odua Festival is a treasured cultural event that showcases the rich traditions and customs of our people. As stakeholders, your contributions are vital to the success of this festival, and I encourage you to actively participate in the discussions and share your valuable insights and expertise.

“By being a part of this event, you are not only helping to preserve our cultural heritage but also playing a crucial role in promoting tourism and economic growth in our region. Your involvement will help us create a more vibrant and sustainable tourism industry that benefits our communities and showcases our unique cultural identity to the world.

“Throughout this meeting, we will explore ways to enhance the Odua Festival experience, improve tourism infrastructure, and foster collaborations that drive growth and development in our state. I urge you to engage in open and constructive dialogue, share your ideas, and build meaningful connections with fellow stakeholders.

“Together, let us work towards a common goal of making the Odua Festival a flagship event that showcases our cultural excellence and tourism potential. Thank you once again for your participation, and I wish us a productive and fruitful deliberation.”

Earlier in her welcome address, Osun State Tourism Board Coordinator, Mrs Oluwatoyin Ajayi, appreciated the support from Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan and Governor Ademola Adeleke for the support and approval when FTAN Southwest Executives presented the idea to the Osun State Government.

According to her; “With our common interest regarding this Regional event, we have great chances for dialogue, for everyone to have better understanding of our intention to stage the first regional campaign for inbound tourism in Nigeria, and for us to listen to the event’s agenda and take actions.

First, I would like to thank the Chairman, Osun State Tourism Board for his support and contributions during the presentation of the project by FTAN Southwest Executives to the Osun State Government. We are highly honoured to have our father, Arole Oduduwa, the Oonirisa, His Imperial Majesty, Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi accepted ODUAFEST as his project and given the go ahead to organize the first edition of ODUFEST.

“Also, I would like to thank our father, Professor Oyeweso for joining our quest and supporting the concept of using our multi-cultural resources to promote regional tourism, economic development and cultural integration in Nigeria.

“My special appreciation and sincere thanks to H.E. Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, the executive Governor of Osun State who will officially declare ODUAFEST OSUN 2024 open. We are honoured by his commitment towards this project and glad that together with other Southwestern Governors, they will be with us during the presentation of the maiden edition of ODUAFEST OSUN 2024.”