Nigeria Can Make Money through Tourism than Oil, Experts Tells FG

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

A Professor of Theatre Arts at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, Dr. Rasaki Ojo-Bakare, has advised the federal government to make development of tourism potential of the country a priority, saying the sector can take the economy to higher pedestal than what the oil can do.

Bakare particularly regretted the poor attentions the Ekiti State Government is paying to the sector, adding that tourist attractions in Ekiti West Local Government alone can pay the salary of workers, if properly harnessed without further depending on federal allocation for sustenance.

The academic spoke in Aramoko Ekiti wednesday during a press conference heralding the 2018 edition of Aramoko cultural heritage Festival tagged ‘ARAFEST ‘ .

Bakare disclosed that over 100 celebrities are expected at the programme slated for between November 6 and 11 and sponsored by Aramoko Development Association (ADA).

He said the cultural fiesta was targeted at launching the tourism potential of Ekiti to the global scene and make it the hub of Arts and Culture in Africa, particularly the ones that has to do with traditions and culture in the town.

The scholar lamented that the country was losing multi-billion dollars yearly due to the lip service being paid to the development of Arts and culture as well as hospitality businesses.

“We can’t gain saying the fact that Nigeria is losing for not paying attention to tourism business. Tourism if well- handled will take Nigeria to where oil has not taken us to.

“Though, those in charge of tourism sector have not been able to prove that Nigeria can make money through tourism. Tourism is bringing people to your doorsteps to see your culture.

“Many countries like Gambia, Tanzania and Kenya are making big money from tourism. In Ekiti alone, activities of tourism along Ikogosi, Ipole Iloro and across Ekiti West alone can pay salaries of workers

in Ekiti.

“Let us just assume a situation whereby the federal government sites a globally accepted film village around this place, this will bring many film makers to Ekiti and our economy will go up.

Speaking on the 2018 edition of the ARAFEST carnival, Bakare said the

cultural fiesta will feature a lecture, titled: “The place of Aramoko in the history of Yoruba’, which will be delivered by an emeritus professor of history.

He said the annual programme was introduced by ADA to stop crime rate, generate revenue and employment for the locals and expose them to the outside world.

“It will also feature traditional sports and games competition, competition for the preparation of traditional cuisine and Bush bar, comprising local meals and drinks, traditional wrestling competition, and beauty contest.

“It is going to be a carnival where traditional guards, hunters,

traditional priests , masqueraders will display artistic performances that typify them.

The President of ADA, Dr. Isaac Aladeloye, said no efforts will be

spared to protect the cultural heritage of the town and that the

ARAFEST was one of the moves targeted at making the town preserves its core values of bravery, contentment and brotherliness.