Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams has urged Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State to use the culture promotion template to improve tourism and economic development in the state.
Adams said the state has remained backward because it is not doing enough in promoting the cultural identity of its people.
Adams, who spoke at the 2022 edition of Okota Festival in Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State, explained that culture promotion has been the major elixir to tourism and economic development in every state.
“The promotion of the cultural identity of a people is the divine responsibility of the traditional rulers. 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.
“I am using this opportunity to appeal to 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,” he said.
Governor Akeredolu, 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 would do everything within its power to inject cultural promotion activities into its policy programme, adding that efforts were on to strengthen the security architecture of communities in the state.
Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun expressed appreciation to Aare Gani Adams for his support and commitment to sustaining the culture and heritage of the town, stressing that the impact of the Okota Festival in boosting the economy of the town was huge.
“It is our responsibilities as traditional rulers to ensure that we sustain our culture and tradition. For us in Arigidi-Akoko, I am sure the town will leverage on the commitment of Aare Gani Adams to peace and tranquility to rekindle the hope of the people within and outside the state,” the monarch noted.