Dependency on the oil and gas sector could no longer sustain Nigeria's economy, only arts, culture and tourism could now help, the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Oluwasesan Fagbayi has asserted.
Fielding questions from journalists at the just concluded Ekiti State Festival for Arts and Culture tagged, "EKIFEST 2024", with the theme, ‘’Arts and Culture: A Tool for Shared Prosperity’’, at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, Fagbayi noted that only tapping into the arts, culture and tourism would generate additional revenue that government needs to cater for its people.
He affirmed that the potentials inherent in Culture and Tourism is capable of reviving the economic prosperity of the country.
Fagbayi said the Ministry for Culture and Tourism would not relent in sensitising people on the need to harness, promote and utilise various arts, culture, and tourism products.
The commissioner revealed that several mechanisms had already been put in place to encourage foreign and private partnership in the tourism sector.
"At this event, people wore different kind of fake and adulterated Adire. They are not aware but we are. Ogun is the custodian of Adire. These days, people go to the market and buy cheaper fabrics, which are the adulterated ones. We will continue to sensitise them to patronise the original Adire fabrics", he explained.
Speaking on the quality presentation of the Ogun State Cultural Troupe at the event, the commissioner appreciated the unwavering support of Governor Dapo Abiodun in promoting and preserving the culture and traditions of the state.
Fagbayi revealed that the proposed Gateway Festival would encompass the cultural activities of all the 20 local government areas in the state.
He urged government at all levels and other stakeholders, to resuscitate the cultural heritage of the state and develop tourist sites to world standard.
In a related development, Hon. Fagbayi has revealed that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration in Ogun State is leaving no stone unturned in leveraging the economic gains inherent in the cultural sector.
The Commissioner dropped the hint, while participating at the 2024 Osun-Osogbo Festival in Osogbo, Osun state, noting that it was essential to ensure networking and collaboration with other states and stakeholders in the industry.
Fagbayi added that various traditional and religious festivals such as the Osun-Osogbo festival bring both local and international tourists together with a view of creating awareness for tourism in the international world.
Contributing, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Quudus Yusuff, decribed the festival as a large gathering of different cultures, both locally and internationally, saying the state's participation was a way of showcasing its rich culture to the larger society.
On his part, Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Abiodun Ojo said the Osun-Osogbo is a UNESCO world festival that had increased the economic status of the state, and created cultural network between Osun and other states in the country.
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