By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), has announced plan to partner with
Igobo sabe kingdom to promote gelede festival into a national cultural celebration .
The strategic move is part of efforts to strengthen collaboration for cultural tourism development.
The Director-General (NTDA), Ola Awakan made this known when he, and his delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba.
The delegation was and received by His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeshina 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.
Addressing the Director-General, Oba Adeniyi expressed his interest in fostering a strategic partnership between the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom and the NTDA, emphasizing 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.
The monarch applauded the DG for honouring the invitation.
“I really appreciate your efforts in leveraging your office to drive innovation within Nigeria’s tourism sector and initiatives towards repositioning the country’s cultural heritage on a global stage.
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 emphasizing the role that traditional institutions play in advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector.
He 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 at showcasing Nigeria’s rich and vibrant tourism assets to the world.
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