Presidency Endorses Oyotunji Cultural Festival
The presidency has endorsed the Nigeria- Oyotunji Cultural Heritage Celebration holding at the Oyotunji African Village, Sheldon, South Carolina, USA as it also assures of the Presidency support and Participation in the Festival.
The Senior Special Assistant To The President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Hon Abike Dabiri- Erewa made this known while presenting the letter of endorsement to the Ambassador to the Crown and Kingdom of Oyotunji African Village, South Carolina USA, Rotimi Vaughan in her office.
According to her, the festivals would encourage the Africa- Americans and the people of African descent in the diaspora to return to their ancestral home to contribute to the development of the country.
While commending the organisers for creating such an important platform aimed at fostering meaningful bilateral relations between between Nigeria and the America in the area of arts, culture and Heritage Tourism, she hinted that the festivals will also attract investors and bring about economic development and also boost tourism potentials in Oyotunji and Nigeria.
Responding, Ambassador Vaughan eulogised the presidential aide for encouraging and promoting the return of Diaspora Africans to the country with her vigour describing Nigeria as the most populous black nation in the world with several tourist sites, good weather condition, natural vegetation and Land mass which can bring about sound economic development.
He also commended the Royal father of Oyotunji African Village, Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II for promoting the Nigerian culture worldwide.
Vaughan informed that Oyotunji is the first black African tourist destination in North America and that the African village survived several decades back on tourism and Yoruba Culture.
He informed that the festivals will witness the largest ever number of Nigerians, African and non Africans who will experience the power of Arts, Culture and heritage tourism in attaining economic empowerment, global economic growth, fruitful bilateral and socio cultural relations, youth development and youth exchange opportunities among others.
Vaughan asserted that the presidency’s assurance of its full support and the State of Osun for partnership will open several doors of oppotunities and socio economic development to Oyotunji African Village and Nigeria.
In a related development, clarion calls have been made on notable Culture and Tourism investors to support Oyotunji African Village in order to transform it to the African tourist hot spot in North America and the entire world at large.
In his remark, the MD/CEO of 214 Global Links Ltd, Lion Ajelara Olayiwola a major oil and gas dealer and hotelier noted that the African Village needs to encouraged and supported to make it a first class global tourist haven.
Olayiwola informed that he’s committed to donating meaningfully to the development of Oyotunji with his resources, adding that he will present his developmental blue print to Oba Adefunmi during the celebration.
“Oyotunji Village deserves every support for promoting Our Culture in far away North America. I’m amazed seeing delighted African Americans with tribal marks thereby showcasing their true identity while our people back home are avoiding this means of identity.
“I commend this people greatly and I will on my part commit my resources, time and energy during my attendance at the festival and would donate meaningfully at Oyotunji to the rapid development of Oyotunji”, he said.
Another Tourism and hospitality guru, Hon Apata Samson Olatunji Nunayon on his part, indicated his commitment to generate and actualise massive structural development and transformation in the African Village.
Apata, a former Local Government Tourism Senior Special Adviser and CEO Beauty From Africa Media Concept, organisers of Miss Tourism Badagry International, commended Oba Adefunmi for preserving Yoruba culture and customs in his domain. He praised the organizers for talking up the challenge in putting together such a historic event.
