Connect with us

Society

Okota Festival: Gani Adams Canvass For Cultural Revolution, Charges Akeredolu, Traditional Rulers On Promotion Of Cultural Heritage To Boost Ondo Economy 

Published

on

Okota Festival: Gani Adams Canvass For Cultural Revolution, Charges Akeredolu, Traditional Rulers On Promotion Of Cultural Heritage To Boost Ondo Economy 

Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams has urged the Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) to use cultural promotion template to improve tourism and economic development in Ondo state and its environs.

He added that the state remains backward among the six states in the Southwest because it is not doing enough in promoting the cultural identity of its people.

Adams disclosed this at the 2022 edition of Okota festival held at the Palace Square, Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo state.

The Yoruba generalissimo also stated that cultural promotion has been the major elixir to tourism and economic development in every state, adding that Okota festival is the most celebrated festival in Arigidi-Akoko town.

“It is very important for the Ondo state government to use cultural promotion template to improve the tourism and economic development in Ondo State.

“The promotion of the cultural identity of the people is the divine responsibility of the traditional rulers, therefore, traditional rulers in the state should also step up their roles as custodians of Yoruba culture and tradition.

“The state government and the traditional institution need to do a lot more in promoting the culture and the tradition of the people in order to improve the state economy and further enhance development in the state.

“All over the world, there is an obvious difference between religion, culture, and traditions.

And any race or people that abandon their culture and tradition do so at their own peril.

“For instance, indigenes and people of Akure, Owo, and Ikare still make tremendous progress in their socio-economic lives even better than my people here in Akoko because they identify with their own culture and traditions.

“The reason for this is that those of us in Akoko land have, for a very long time, ignored our tradition and heritage and we remain backward for this.

 

Okota Festival: Gani Adams Canvass For Cultural Revolution, Charges Akeredolu, Traditional Rulers On Promotion Of Cultural Heritage To Boost Ondo Economy 

 

“I am using this opportunity to appeal to all our traditional rulers in Akoko land to rise to the occasion and join the train of prosperous people that promote and celebrate their deities and ancestors.

“As the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land and prominent son of Akoko land, I am ready to support any traditional ruler who wants to promote the tradition and culture of his kingdom.

“As custodian of Yoruba culture, it is a fact that prosperity, wealth, and abundance, both social and economic fortunes are all spiritual in nature. They don’t come by accident. It is by promoting our culture and tradition that we can access the spiritual fortunes and be liberated from poverty and misfortunes.”

Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) who was represented by the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Prince Boye Ologbese, and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Princess Adebunmi Osadaunsi, said the government will do everything within its power to inject cultural promotion activities and programs into its policy program, adding that efforts are on to strengthen the security architecture of all the communities in the state.

“Let me assure people of Arigidi-Akoko that our government will work out an effective cultural promotion program that will allow peaceful co-existence across the state”,

Meanwhile, the royal host and the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, expressed appreciation to Aare Gani Adams for his support and commitment to sustaining the culture, tradition, and heritage of the town, stressing the impact of the Okota festival in boosting the economy of the town

“I appreciate Aare Gani Adams’ zeal, dedication, and commitment to promote the Yoruba race and the core values of the traditional institution.

“It is our responsibility as traditional rulers to ensure that we sustain our culture and tradition.

“For us in Arigidi-Akoko, it is a new beginning and I am sure the town will leverage on the commitment of Aare Gani Adams to peace and tranquility in the town to rekindle the hope of the people within and outside the state.

“He applauded the OPC for using the Okota festival to strengthen the bond of unity and peace in the town.

Other guests at the event include the Akala of Ikaram-Akoko, Oba (CDRE) A.O.Momodu, Arigbamu of Agbamu land, Oba Olusola Dare, the Alase of Ase Akoko, Oba Ogidan Aderemi, Olubaka of Oka Akoko, Oba Adebori Adeleye, the Osunla of Erusu Akoko, Oba Barrister Sunday Mogaji, Chief Toyin Olusile, ChiefTitilope Hassan, OPU Coordinator, Italy, OPU coordinator in Sweden, Bob Agbede, Oba Ogidan Aderemi. , all members of the National Executive Council NEC and National Coordinating Council meeting (NCC).

 

BY IYABO AINA

Publisher Of News Rain Nigeria