By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has pledged to partner with the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom in Yaba, Lagos, to elevate the Gelede Festival into a national cultural celebration as partof efforts to boost Nigeria’s cultural tourism sector.
Director-General of the NTDA, Ola Awakan, made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeshina Adeniyi (Maforunyomi I).
The NTDA delegation was received by the monarch, Olori Mosunmola Anike Adeniyi, White Cap Chiefs, and community leaders, with the visit featuring a colourful cultural procession by the revered Gelede Masquerades.
Speaking during the visit, Oba Adeniyi commended the NTDA boss for initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s cultural heritage on the global stage and expressed readiness to collaborate with the authority in promoting tourism development in Nigeria.
The monarch highlighted key cultural assets within the kingdom, including the Gelede Masquerades, associated with fertility and childbirth, as well as two ancient iroko trees believed to be over 250 years old.
Awakan, in his remarks, described the visit as culturally enriching and strategically important to the authority’s mandate, stressing the vital role of traditional institutions in advancing tourism in Nigeria.
He noted that effective storytelling around cultural heritage sites and traditions would enhance their appeal to local and international tourists.
The NTDA boss also proposed featuring the kingdom’s tourism assets on the NITOUREY Project, described as Africa’s first tourism-dedicated streaming platform aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s tourism potentials globally.
During a guided tour of one of the ancient iroko tree sites in Abule Ijesa, Yaba, Awakan observed that the location possesses significant potential for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
He encouraged the kingdom to work closely with the NTDA in revitalising the historic landmarks to strengthen Nigeria’s cultural tourism profile.
The monarch, blessed Awakan and expressed confidence in his leadership and vision for the tourism sector.
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