Expert Laments Neglect Of Tourism Sites In Nigeria
A Professor of Archeology, Prof. Adisa Ogunfolakan has expressed disappointment at the lip service paid to diversification of economy in Nigeria when the required potential of economic liberation is neglected.
Ogunfolakan who identified tourism as potential catalyst to the economic downturn of the country declared that going by the number of tourist attraction centres in Nigeria, the country has more potentials than Mecca in Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem in Israel.
The Director at the Natural History Museum, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile- Ife, spoke at an event organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism to mark the 2019 World Tourism Day with the theme: “Tourism and Jobs, a good future for all”.
He argued that Africa, and Nigeria in particular have been shortchanged by western imperialists towards the quest for economic liberation through tourism.
He insisted that Nigeria possesses greater opportunities in the tourism sector better than many countries in Europe and Asia, where tourism remains the bedrock of their National economy.
Ogunfolakan said Osun, being the cradle of Yoruba race could generate more foreign earnings if her tourist capacities are optimally annexed.
He therefore implored the new administration in the state to make more funds available to the ministry in order to enhance its capacity for the purpose of turning the sector around and as well increase the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.
Speaking further, Dr Caroline Ogunlade , a Senior Lecturer at the Federal. Polythecnic, Ede, in her speech described tourism as a catalyst of equality among every strata of the society, adding that tourism, if properly annexed could help in building better future.
She disclosed that base on her findings and research, Osun has over 60 tourist attraction centres that can alone turn around the fortunes of the state if seriously utilised..
She however mentioned decayed infrastructure as a bane to development of tourism in Nigeria, as she said that there are still several untapped tourist attraction centres that need to be revived and put into use.
Meanwhile, the Supervisor in the Ministry, Dr Adebisi Obawale in his welcome address said the rationale behind the World Tourism Day was to raise awareness among the people of the world on the socio-economic importance of tourism.
He reiterated the resolve of the government in the state to continue to support activities tailored toward repositioning the sector for optimal performance.
