Ado Awaye in Iseyin local government area will host the 2021 World Tourism Day in Oyo state scheduled for 27th September, 2021.
This was made known by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon Akeem Ademola Ige on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the Ado Awaye Suspended Lake.
Hon Ige led the state government delegation which included the Lawmaker Representing Iseyin, Itesiwaju state constituency, Honourable Dele Adeola Bamidele; Special Assistant to the Governor on OYSIEC, Hon Tallest Innocent; Member Oyo state Tourism Board, Hon Serah Shobowale; Mr Fagebo Deputy Director of Tourism, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism; Erelu Asa, a tourism and travels consultant, Funmi Rotiba and others to the secretariat of Iseyin local government to brief the council authority on the development.
They were received by the Vice Chairman of Iseyin local government, Hon Fasasi Raheem Ajibola representing the Chairman who was away for an official assignment in Abuja, the legislative arm and the management team before proceeding to the palace of the Alado of Ado Awaye, Oba Folakanmi, Makunledoye II.
Speaking at the palace, Hon Ige said the purpose of the visit was to brief the monarch on the choice of Ado Awaye Suspended Lake as the venue of World Tourism Day 2021 and to inspect the tourist site ahead of the day for necessary preparation to be put in place. He commended the monarch for his zeal and eagerness towards the development of Ado Awaye adding that the monarch is always after community development and not personal interest.
Ige who appreciated the uniqueness of the town said the state government led by Engineer Seyi Makinde has been talking with investors towards the development of the Ado Awaye Suspended Lake.
He added that the 2020 World Tourism Day was celebrated at Idere town with focus on Idere hill.
He also commended the lawmaker, Honourable Dele Adeola Bamidele for his move and drive towards the development of Ado Awaye adding that the lawmaker has the love of his people at heart.
“Kabieyesi, the reason why we are here today is to inform you about the state government decision to use the Ado Awaye Suspended Lake in Ado Awaye as the venue for the World Tourism Day 2021 which is coming up on the 27th of September, 2021. And also to inspect the Lake, so that necessary things will be done ahead of the day.
“I must appreciate the natural endowment gifted to this community by God. Initially, we were told there are two suspended lakes across the globe, one in Colarado in the United States of America and one in Ado Awaye here. But recently, research has shown that the one in Colarado is artificial. With this, we can say we have just one natural suspended lake in the whole world and it is here in Ado Awaye.
“Myself and Kabieyesi are always in talk. I must commend him for his zeal and move towards bringing development to Ado Awaye especially the Ado Awaye Suspended Lake. Let me also inform you that the Oyo state government led by Engineer Seyi Makinde is in talk with investors towards developing the Lake. We hope that very soon, things will change.”
While responding, Alado of Ado Awaye, Oba Folakanmi, Makunledoye II thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for the developmental projects in Oke Ogun and Oyo state in general.
He commended the Governor for the road from Ibadan to Iseyin that led to Ado Awaye, provision of electricity supply and improved security in the community.
He commended the Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon Akeem Ademola Ige for making Ado Awaye the venue of the 2021 World Tourism Day adding that since he assumed office, he has been outstanding and doing wonderfully well towards reviving tourist sites in the state, especially the Ado Awaye Suspended Lake.
The monarch also stated some of the efforts of the community on the suspended lake adding that they know that government alone cannot do it.
In a related development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon Akeem Ademola Ige met the Iseyin Weavers and Marketers Association to give them update about their loan from Sterling bank.
The loan is in fulfillment of the Oyo state government mission to empower and encourage them and boost small scale businesses. The loan facility was part of the ten billion naira set aside by the bank tagged Sterling Bank Tourism Development Fund Initiative.
While speaking, Hon Ige told them the first set of beneficiaries will soon start getting the money. He however cautioned them not to be defaulters as this will deny other beneficiaries from getting theirs.
He also charged the association on the need to enhance large scale production of aso ofi adding that modern machines will help in doing this.
The association speaking through its secretary thanked him for facilitating the loan and for supporting them.
He also unfolded their plan to celebrate the Ofi Day in November this year at Iseyin adding that the association will officially inform the state government later.
