The Oyo State Government has reiterated its determination to explore the state’s cultural-tourism potential to boost its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Mr Toye Arulogun, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, said this on Sunday in Iseyin during a facility tour of the old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp ground.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the state would on Sept. 27 at the old NYSC camp ground in Iseyin, celebrate the World Tourism Day tagged “Aso Ofi Day.”
Arulogun, who was conducted round the venue by the Caretaker Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, Mr Saheed Alaran, assured the people of a hitch-free celebration.
He said that the state government had made adequate preparations toward the celebration of the state’s rich cultural heritage in Iseyin, the base of the locally-woven textile called “Aso Ofi.”
The commissioner stressed the need for government and the people of the state to promote cultural heritage of the state.
He noted that the new cotton farm initiative by some local governments in the state was a pointer to better days ahead.
He added that the state government planned to host a tourism summit, celebrate Amala Fiesta, promote Yoruba traditional wedding ceremonies and resuscitate its tourist sites and monuments.
“We need to promote, support and uphold our cultural heritage. By doing this, our economy will improve, and things will turn around for us in this state.
“Also, the onus is on every citizen of this state, both at home and in the Diaspora to support the promotion of our local fabric, the Aso Ofi, for the growth of our fashion.
“This will definitely improve our IGR and uplift the economy of this state.”
Arulogun decried the low patronage of the locally woven textile, stressing that it would boost the economy and increase
the IGR if properly harnessed and promoted.
Earlier, Alaran had expressed the local government’s readiness to support the state government in hosting the event.
He disclosed the council’s efforts at promoting Aso Ofi through the construction of Ajumose Weaving Sheds in each ward of the local government.
He added that the sheds would be ready for inauguration and handover to weavers during the event. (NAN)
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