FG should exploit potential in tourism sector to address

By Lukman Olabiyi

The Federal Government has been urged to invest more in Nigeria’s tourism sector and leverage cultural festivals as viable drivers of economic growth and national development.

This call was made on Sunday at a press conference held at Oodua House in Ikeja, Lagos, to herald the 2026 Eledumare Festival organised by the Olokun Festival Foundation.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the 2026 Eledumare Festival Organising Committee, Professor Kolawole Raheem, said Nigeria could unlock significant economic opportunities if the government gives adequate attention to tourism and the promotion of indigenous festivals.

Raheem, who spoke on behalf of the founder of the foundation and Gani Adams, described the Eledumare Festival as a 21-day celebration dedicated to honouring God Almighty while showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.

He noted that cultural festivals such as Eledumare have the capacity to boost commerce, attract visitors and stimulate local economies if properly supported and promoted by government.

According to him, the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, must take deliberate steps to develop and promote Nigeria as a global tourism destination by encouraging Nigerians to explore attractions within the country and attracting international visitors.

He said promoting local festivals as unique cultural attractions would not only preserve heritage but also drive tourism and economic activities.

Raheem also stressed the need for government investment in tourism infrastructure, including hotels and other hospitality services, to support the growing interest in festival tourism.

“The NTDA must actively promote and market tourist attractions, including festivals, historic sites, museums, parks, game reserves, beaches and holiday resorts to both domestic and international audiences,” he said.

He described tourism as an underutilised economic resource in Nigeria, noting that the sector currently contributes only about 3.6 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, compared with an average of about 10 per cent in many countries where tourism is a major economic driver.

Raheem said the development of tourism would help Nigeria diversify its economy beyond the oil sector, which currently serves as the country’s primary source of revenue.

He also noted that the Eledumare Festival has the potential to grow into a major international event comparable to globally celebrated festivals such as the Rio Carnival, Notting Hill Carnival, Holi, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Songkran.

According to him, the Eledumare Festival was recently ranked among prominent festivals in Yorubaland, placing fifth on the list, but organisers are determined to elevate it to become the leading cultural festival in Nigeria within the next six years.

Raheem expressed optimism that with increased visibility and support, the festival could eventually gain national recognition to the extent that the Federal Government may consider declaring a public holiday in its honour.

The Eledumare Festival is an annual cultural and spiritual celebration held across various communities in Yorubaland, aimed at promoting Yoruba traditions, cultural values and communal unity.