…Ministry to propose “World Oke Idanre Day” for UNESCO recognition
In a renewed push to revitalize Ondo State’s tourism assets and restore their global relevance, the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Adesoji Afolabi, has vowed that the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa will bring back the lost glory of the iconic Idanre Hills, one of Nigeria’s most culturally significant and visually striking destinations.
The Commissioner stated this during an oversight tour to the historic hilltop town of Oke Idanre on Wednesday, where he led a high-powered delegation to assess the current state of the facility and explore its untapped potentials.
During the tour, Hon. Afolabi and his team climbed the famed 682 steps that lead to the ancient settlement, inspecting several historical monuments including the old palace, dilapidated residential quarters, the ancient court hall, and other sacred sites. These heritage assets, he noted, remain critical to tourism development and cultural preservation.
“We cannot allow this treasure to remain in this condition. Governor Aiyedatiwa is determined to make Idanre Hills a functional, revenue-generating world-class destination once again. The restoration of this site is not just about tourism—it’s about pride, history, culture, and economic growth,” Afolabi declared.
He also disclosed that the Ministry is working towards enlisting “World Oke Idanre Day” with UNESCO to give the annual celebration international recognition and further spotlight the unique heritage of the Idanre people on the global stage.
In addition to the tour of the hill, the Commissioner stopped by at the Ondo State Golf Course, located in Atosin-Idanre. Once a prestigious recreational hub, the facility has long been left in a moribund state. Hon. Afolabi emphasized that with the right attention and investment, the golf course could be revived into a premium sports and leisure destination, attracting local and international golf enthusiasts and boosting the state’s hospitality and tourism economy.
Accompanying the Honourable Commissioner were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Adeyemi O. Sule; the Director of Tourism, Mr. Adeola Aderinola; the Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture, Princess Dupe Adetuwo; and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Mobilization, Hon. Dimeji Olanegan.