Gani Adams Calls for More Investment in Tourism

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has asked the government to invest more in cultural tourism and preserving heritage.

He believes this will create jobs, open up economic chances, and make Ondo State a top cultural spot.

Adams made these comments after attending the 2026 Okota Festival at the Palace Square in Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State.

He said making the Okota Festival and other cultural events major tourist attractions will boost the local economy and draw visitors to Ondo State, raising its profile both in Nigeria and abroad.

He sees cultural tourism as a key factor for socio-economic growth. He stressed that investing in this area will bring lasting benefits to communities.

“While the Okota Festival is mainly a spiritual event celebrating the kind Okota River goddess, known for her healing powers and role during pre-colonial wars, it also showcases Yoruba culture, history, and unity,” he said.

He compared the Okota Festival to the famous Osun Osogbo Festival, saying the Okota Festival could become a big cultural attraction that would help the state’s economy.

He pointed out that the annual festival already brings in visitors from across the country, providing business chances for traders, artisans, and hospitality workers, while earning millions of naira for Arigidi-Akoko and Ondo State.

Adams also urged governments in the South-West to focus on developing and preserving cultural heritage sites. He said this would attract tourists from all over and speed up community development.

The Aare Ona Kakanfo encouraged traditional leaders to keep working on preserving Yoruba culture and promoting unity. He said culture is the basis of identity and social togetherness.

The Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, praised Adams, the Olokun Festival Foundation, and the Oodua People’s Congress for keeping the annual Okota Festival alive. He urged residents to live peacefully and work together for their community’s growth.

Prince Daniel Omolola, who chaired the event, called the festival a celebration of Arigidi-Akoko’s rich history and Yoruba heritage.

He also asked the people of Akokoland, both at home and abroad, to start an annual cultural gathering like the Ojude Oba Festival to strengthen unity and support socio-cultural growth.

The Owa Ale of Ikare-Akoko also showed support for the idea and wanted to partner with the Olokun Festival Foundation to create a similar cultural festival in his area.

The king shared that traditional leaders in Akoko are already planning to make cultural festivals a regular thing in their communities to promote Yoruba traditions and help spiritual, social, and economic growth.