The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has intensified efforts to boost cultural tourism by initiating a partnership with the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom in Lagos State to elevate the Gelede Festival into a national cultural celebration.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, NTDA, Dr. Ola Awakan, disclosed this when he paid a visit to the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom in Yaba, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.
The delegation was received by His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Adeniyi (Maforunyomi I), the Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba; Olori Mosunmola Anike Adeniyi; the Bales of the kingdom; and members of the White Cap Chiefs.
The visit commenced with a cultural procession by the revered Gelede Masquerades, showcasing the rich heritage of the community.
His Royal Majesty Maforunyomi First Street, commended Dr Awakan’s efforts in leveraging his office to drive innovation within Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The monarch applauds the NTDA Director General for his initiatives towards repositioning the country’s cultural heritage on a global stage.
Oba Adeniyi further expressed his interest in fostering a strategic partnership between the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom and the NTDA, emphasising the community’s readiness to actively participate in ongoing efforts to develop and promote tourism across the country.
He highlighted key cultural assets within the kingdom, including the Gelede Masquerades; an important cultural symbol associated with fertility and childbirth; and two ancient iroko trees within the community, each over 250 years old.
In response, the DG appreciated the traditional ruler for the invitation, honour, and warm reception, stating that the visit was not only culturally enriching but also strategically important to the Authority’s mandate.
He continued by emphasising the role traditional institutions play in advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector.
Dr Awakan stated that effective storytelling is essential to unlocking the value of cultural heritage, explaining that documenting and sharing the stories behind cultural elements such as the Gelede Masquerades and the ancient iroko trees would enhance their appeal to both local and international tourists.
The NTDA DG further proposed featuring Igbobi-Sabe’s tourism assets in the ongoing NITOUREY Project, the first-ever tourism-dedicated streaming platform in Africa aimed towards showcasing Nigeria’s vibrant tourism assets to the world.
The meeting proceeded with a guided tour of one of the iroko tree sites located in Abule Ijesa, Yaba, where the Director-General observed that the site holds significant potential for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
He advised the traditional ruler to work closely with the NTDA in developing initiatives that would revitalize the historic landmarks, positioning them as prominent symbols of Nigeria’s cultural tourism.
The Director-General received royal blessings from the Monarch who wished him wisdom and success in his tenure, while expressing confidence in his leadership and vision.