By Lukman Olabiyi
Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams has said that government at all level still need to do more in area of cultural promotion in order to develop tourism industry.
Adam harped on importance of cultural promotion for development of tourism industry in Nigeria while speaking at a press conference to intimate the general public on the forthcoming annual Olokun/Olosa Festival which will begins on October 10.
Unveiling the programmes for the annual fiesta, Adams,who was represented by the Director of Communications of Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), Yinka Oguntimehin, said the 2023 edition of Olokun/Olosa Festival has spiritual connection that is tied to the liberation of Nigeria from socio-political and economic challenges and bondage that the country is presently experiencing.
Adams said the programme for this year Olokun/Olosa festival include a special vigil prayer session that will be conducted between 1am and 3am at the front of Sultan Beach, with each participants holding a Dove as spiritual symbolism of peace, blessing and national progress.
“We are coming up with different activities that offer hope for the country and Yoruba land.And part of the programmes is the vigil prayer session to be conducted at the front of Olokun for two hours.It is also applicable to Olosa with each participants holding a bag of salt to pray for Nigeria,Yoruba land and all sons and daughters of our race.
“We are also expecting the Lagos state governor,Mr.Babajide Sanwo Olu as the Special Guest of Honour, the Commissioner for Tourism,Arts and Culture,Hon.Hon.Toke- Benson Ayoyinka,and other government officials at the grand finale.
“Akran of Badagry, Oba De Wheno Aholu Toyi 1 is the royal host,even as Okere of Zaki,Oba Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi will be the royal father of the day.
“We also have the Onibereko of Ibereko Kingdom, HRM Oba Isreal Adewale Okoya,the Aholu Henwa of Kweme Kingdom, HRM Oba Sejiro Ogungbe James JP Okiki Arolagbade and the Alapa of Egun Awori,Apa Kingdom , HRM Oba Oyekanmi Ajose, among others as royal fathers of the day.
“The security of all the guests is intact as we have concluded plans to ensure that the venue of the event is fully secured.
“The spiritual advantage and blessing of this year edition of Olokun/Olosa festival is not something you can figure out ordinarily as an it individual.It is encompassing, revolving around every aspect of our lives.
“It is beyond the physical realm and as such, I urge you all to make the best use of these opportunities that come with the celebration of the festival”
Other programmes scheduled for this year festival include Prayer to Almighty God, Ayo Olopon,Boat Regatta, Festival Float,Quiz competition and lecture,and Beauty Pageant among others.
Oguntimehin stated further that all the activities are geared towards achieving the best in terms of standard and quality of the festival.