NTDA to elevate Gelede Festival into a National cultural landmark

​By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

​The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has announced a strategic partnership with the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom to transform the Gelede Festival into a premier national cultural celebration. This collaboration aims to strengthen Nigeria’s cultural tourism sector and showcase indigenous heritage on a global scale.
​The Director-General of the NTDA, Ola Awakan, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom in Yaba.
They were received by His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeshina Adeniyi (Maforunyomi I), the Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe, alongside Olori Mosunmola Anike Adeniyi and the kingdom’s council of chiefs.
​During the visit, Oba Adeniyi expressed his commitment to a strategic alliance, highlighting the kingdom’s readiness to support national tourism development.
He showcased several key cultural assets, including: the Gelede Masquerades: A profound cultural symbol representing fertility and childbirth, and ancient Iroko trees- two historic landmarks within the community, each boasting a lifespan of over 250 years.
​“I appreciate your efforts in leveraging your office to drive innovation and reposition Nigeria’s cultural heritage on a global stage,” the Monarch remarked, commending the Director-General’s vision.
​In response, DG Ola Awakan emphasized that traditional institutions are the backbone of the tourism sector. He stressed that storytelling is the key to unlocking the economic and cultural value of Nigeria’s history.
​To bring this vision to life, the DG proposed two major initiatives :
​NITOUREY Project Integration: Featuring the kingdom’s assets on Africa’s first tourism-dedicated streaming platform to reach international audiences and systematically recording the history of the Gelede Masquerades and the ancient Iroko trees to boost their appeal to tourists.
​Following a guided tour of an ancient Iroko tree site in Abule Ijesa, the Director-General noted that the location possesses the significant historical value required for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
​He urged the traditional leadership to work hand-in-hand with the NTDA to revitalize these landmarks, ensuring they become prominent pillars of Nigeria’s growing tourism economy.