National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, decried the attitude of Nigerian leaders towards traditional festivals.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday in Ikeja, Lagos, ahead of the 2014 Olokun Festival which starts October 2 and runs till October 22, 2014, Gani said successive national and state administrations have over the years relegated culture and tourism.
According to him, “Most countries reserve a day for celebration of deities. In America, there is the Halloween holiday; you media people, help us ask government at all levels why they have refused to declare such in Nigeria.”
“It is important we collectively showcase what we have to the world and one of the ways to do this properly is leaving out a special day nationwide for those who believe in tradition.”
On the Idea behind Olokun Festival Foundation, he said the initiative was born in 2001 but got registered as an organization in 2002.
“The main objective is to promote and sustain our cultural identity,” he said.
“Since we started, monarchs and communities have taken a cue from us. We are an important body in keeping our heritage alive and that’s why when we joined Osun Oshogbo Festival, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The massive presence of OPC and the foundation contributed to this.
“You will recall that there Osun government canceled this year’s celebration due to outbreak of Ebola; there was apathy because we didn’t participate. Hotels, locals economy were affected because our people obeyed the directive.”
On efforts at getting state governments, monarchs, companies to support his initiative, Adams said the foundation has not received any major sponsorship.
Adams particularly lamented the non-participation of the Lagos State Government.
“Lagos has enormous tourism potentials but not doing enough to hype them. We are doing this programme in the state and one would expect them to come on board but the reverse has been the case. It is sad and very unfortunate.”
“I have received over 250 awards and over 75 percent were linked to cultural promotion. So there are people out there who appreciate what we do.”
In a chat with DailyPost after the event, the OPC Coordinator highlighted some programmes of the 2014 Olokun Festival.
Adams said it will feature Yoruba quiz competition, beach soccer, art exhibition, festival lecture, royal night, beauty pageant among others.
“We are expecting over 50 to 60 royal fathers from Nigeria and Benin Republic so its going to be a big event and we look forward to seeing everyone there including your organization, others here and the entire Nigerian media. You all have been very supportive of our course over the years and we say a big thank you.”
“Let me add that we are trying to raise $50million to put up some infrastructure including a conference and event centre, a 4-star hotel, build a benefiting building for the foundation and also construct a mini-amusement park that will be a tourist destination to people from around the world.”
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