Ajimobi Holds Amala Festival In Oyo
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has called for the exploration of resources and other potentials available in the state for economic development as well as the empowerment of the citizens.
The governor who was represented by his wife, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, made this call at the opening ceremony of a 3-day Amala Fiesta programme with the theme “From the farm to the table” held at the Trans Amusement Park Bodija Ibadan on Thursday.
Governor Ajimobi said there are enough potentials for tourist attractions within the state that can generate income, saying that the traditional ‘aso ofi’ that was recently celebrated in Iseyin had shown that people value our cultural tourism.
According to him, “With the outstanding growth and widespread knowledge on agricultural produce, food like Amala is fast becoming a viable revenue earner for the State through the culture and tourism sector, if properly harnessed, owing to the numerous potentials embedded in our various agricultural products, culture and tourism sites, all these can be used to free the country from the economic recession we are currently experiencing.
“The 3-day fiesta is not only meant to relish the delicacy of Amala but also create employment opportunities, empower the economy and also to add value to our agricultural products.”
While speaking on the health benefits of Amala, Ajimobi noted that a brand of Amala made from plantain has been discovered to be efficient in reducing sugar level in the human body system.
The representatives of Akwa Ibom and Igbo speaking communities in Oyo State, Pastor Godspower Umauah and Dr. Alex Anozie respectively, described Amala as one of the best delicacies in Africa especially when it is combined with Gbegiri and ewedu.
The AGBAAKIN Olubadan Chief Lekan Alabi in his remark said Amala has become part of the cultural heritage of Yoruba people as he called for patronage of local food which he noted was more nutritious than fast foods.
Earlier in his welcome address the Initiator of the AMALA FIESTA who is also the state commissioner for Information Culture and Tourism Mr Toye Arulogun said the idea of Amala fiesta was conceived as a food tourism event with the objective of promoting and preserving the Oyo state food brand.
“Amala is the most popular food of the Yoruba people of Southwest Nigeria, it represents the vibrant food culture of the people of Oyo State and it is the food that personifies the robust and dietary cultural heritage of Oyo State.
“Amala’s nutritional and health benefits abound, we therefore believe in highlighting and propagating such ideals for a healthier people. The enabling environment for boosting culture and tourism in the State is our target for Amala Fiesta,” Arulogun explained.
Some of the notable food vendors within the state are actively involved in the three day event as the venue of the fiesta has been turned into an exhibition ground.
