Gani Adams Advocates for Strategic Investment in Olumo Festival to Boost Economy
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has issued a compelling call for strategic investment in the Olumo Festival, emphasizing the need to separate it from the Lisabi Day celebrations to fully harness its economic potential. During the week-long Lisabi Festival held at Olumo Rock, Adams highlighted that independent government budgeting is essential to transform this historic site into a premier global tourism destination.
Untapped Revenue Potential and Infrastructure Upgrades
Adams pointed out that despite current economic challenges, the revenue-generating capabilities of Olumo Rock remain largely untapped due to inadequate funding and a lack of dedicated planning. He acknowledged that the Olumo Festival Foundation has made progress in upgrading infrastructure, such as introducing a new pavilion, but stressed that sustained growth requires structured financial commitments from the Ogun State Government.
Over the years, successive administrations have invested in improving access and facilities at Olumo Rock to boost tourism. Adams commended these efforts, noting they have helped promote the rich cultural heritage of the Egba people while increasing revenue for both the state and the country. "We encourage the Ogun State Government to continue pushing the boundaries to ensure that Nigeria fully harnesses the immense tourism and commercial potential of this historic site," he stated.
Avoiding Financial Conflicts and Promoting Equality
The Yoruba leader explained that the foundation has deliberately avoided seeking funding to prevent conflicts with the financial structure of the Lisabi Festival. "We do not want to duplicate the proposal already submitted by the Lisabi Festival to the Governor. If the government provides separate funding for the Olumo Festival, we will appreciate it," Adams said. He emphasized that Olumo Rock holds unique historical and cultural significance, which can be leveraged to create a globally competitive tourism destination.
Adams added that developing the Olumo Festival would help establish a year-round calendar of economic activities, rather than relying on a single seasonal event. "My charge to the state government, Kabiyesi Alake, and organisers is that both the Lisabi and Olumo festivals should be given equal attention and promoted with the same vigour. You cannot have two valuable assets and neglect one," he asserted.
Economic Benefits and Community Support
With adequate funding and proper packaging, Adams noted that the festival could attract international visitors, generate foreign exchange, and stimulate local commerce in Abeokuta. He called on Egba indigenes to support the Olumo Festival Foundation and contribute to its development as a viable economic platform. Adams concluded that while traditional institutions, including the Alake of Egbaland, have provided a strong foundation, the transition of the festival into a global tourism brand depends largely on strategic investment and resource allocation.
In a related development, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, commended Adams for his commitment to promoting Yoruba culture and assured him of continued support. The monarch urged Egba sons and daughters to embrace the Olumo Festival as a tool for economic growth and development in Ogun State.
