Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Abiodun Ojo, has announced that approximately 2,000 participants are expected to attend the inaugural Osun Extravaganza and Mega Expo.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Osogbo, Ojo said the estimate is based on the anticipated influx of visitors for the grand finale of the Osun-Osogbo Festival, which is scheduled to hold a day after the two-day event.
He noted that the state government is intensifying awareness efforts to ensure maximum participation and visibility for the cultural showcase.
“It is expected that participants will take advantage of the expo to also attend the grand finale of the Osun-Osogbo Festival on 8 August.
The expo is scheduled to take place from 6 to 7 August.”
“The Osun Cycling Tourism Challenge and Youth Tourism Challenge will take place on the first day of the event.
“Day two will be for historical tour of Osun, corporate business presentation and business networking, and cultural/total theatrics performance and award night,” he stated.
He explained that Extravaganza and Mega Expo is a premier platform for connecting indigenous people/communities, industry leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tourism professionals from across Nigeria and the African Continent.
“Set to display the rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty of Osun State, this expo will redefine the future of tourism in our region.
“As global trends continue to shift towards sustainable tourism, authentic cultural experiences, and innovative travel solutions, we believe the time is now to position Nigeria and Osun in particular at the heart of Africa’s tourism renaissance,” he said.
He said that the state government needs partnership with spirited individuals and corporate bodies to grow and develop its tourism potentials, saying tourism is not a one-man show.
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“We invite tourism operators, hospitality brands, travel agencies, cultural institutions, tech innovators, and creatives from across the continent to be a part of this transformative experience.
“We invite you all to join us as we spotlight Osun’s tourism potential and collaborate to build a more inclusive, vibrant, and globally competitive tourism industry,” he said.
The maiden Osun Extravaganza and Mega Expo falls within the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival week.
The commissioner described the combination as “a tactically calculated strategy” by the state government.