MICHAEL-AZEEZ OGUNSIJI
Abeokuta
The Deputy Senate President, Senator Jubrin Barau has called on the federal government to use cultural tourism festivals as a tool of development.
Senator Barau noted that some African countries earned their substantial revenue including foreign exchange from tourism.
According to him, Nigeria should not be exempted from such goldmine opportunity to improve its IGR.
He spoke on Sunday at the grand finale of 31st Oronna Festival held at Ilaro Yewa. Ogun State.
He commended the people of Ilaro for preserving and celebrating their culture.
He urged them to continue to live in peace and work for the development of their communities.
“The theme of the festival and the philosophy behind its origin thirty-one years ago, in the form of galvanizing unity among the people for self-help community development, was in line with my vision of holistic development that does not rely only on government but also on individuals, corporate bodies and communal efforts.
“But more important for me is the use of the cultural tourism festival as a tool for development. As we can attest, some of our brother African nations as well as some developed countries earn substantial revenue including foreign exchange from tourism. Our case in Nigeria should not be an exception.
“Let me assure all that the National Assembly will continue to work in tandem with President Bola Tinubu to provide necessary legislative support for the full implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda. While we are going through the challenges of reforms, I am convinced that the situation of things will get better on the successes of the reforms introduced to retrack our economy.”
Similarly, the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tunji has described cultural festivals as necessary components for the country’s socioeconomic rebirth.
The minister stated this while delivering his remarks at the 2024 Oronna day celebration held in Ilaro on Sunday.
Represented by Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, Dr. Tijani who was the chairman of the occasion lauded the preservation of the festival, saying that it has helped to further uphold and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Ilaro Kingdom.
“Over the years, and as a result of the positive vision and dynamic leadership of Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Oronna Day has grown to become one of the foremost mega cultural festival shaping and positively transforming the values of the Nigerian youth.
”At these challenging times in our nation’s history, we need to support and sustain Festivals like Oronna Day as a necessary component of our national rebirth in complement of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration ably championed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
“I call on all and sundry to support by prayer and our allegiance, the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, an astute and uncommon administrator who is fast transforming Ogun State to global standards despite many economic challenges”, he said
The Minister, therefore, presented brand new laptops to 15 outstanding indigent students, among others.
In his remarks, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun said his administration has been supportive of culture and tourism development, adding that his administration has facilitated development across the State through his ISEYA agenda.
Governor Abiodun explained that, his administration has consistently focused on the speedy development of Ogun West Senatorial District due to age-long neglect of the zone by previous administrations.
He noted that the zone being the largest non Oil revenue earner and food basket of the state, it was not given the needed attention.
