• Egba monarch lauds Adams on culture promotion
Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has urged the Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun to explore the tourism potential of the Olumo Rock in the state, saying the ancient rock remains a heritage that has great potential to be a great destination for tourists from across the world.
Iba Gani Adams gave the charge on Friday in Abeokuta, at the 2023 edition of Olumo Festival.
The Yoruba generalissimo stated also that Olumo Rock was once a tourist attraction with a new facelift during the administration of former governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, but regretted that the rock has lost prominence.
“One of the major achievements of former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel was the way he brought life to the Olumo rock by giving it a new facelift.
“Olumo Rock which has once been a tourist attraction in the state is now gradually losing prominence.
“With its historical background and advantage for the Egba people, Olumo Rock is supposed to be a special heritage and global tourism destination for tourists from all over the world.
“I was in Thailand last month and I saw how the government of the country created a special myth around Pattaya, a city on Thailand’s Eastern Gulf coast known for its beaches.
“Pattaya is a quiet fishing village that is lined with resort hotels, high-rise condos, shopping malls, cabaret bars and 24-hour clubs.
“Olumo Rock can be the Pattaya of Nigeria because it is located at the centre of the town. That is another opportunity for tourists to access the place without any problem.
“There is need for Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state to unleash the tourism potential of Olumo Rock and breathe life into the rock like his predecessor and make it the number one tourism destination in the state.”
Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, in his remarks, applauded the Aare Gani Adams for being consistent in his desire to promote the cultural identity of Yoruba race, adding that the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) leader has succeeded in adding value to the traditional institution through his cultural promotion activities.