As the world prepares for the celebration of this year World Tourism Day, the entire Ado Awaye community have concluded plans to bestow the prestigious award of a performing governor on the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde.
This was disclosed by the Alado of Ado Awaye, Oba Revd Olugbile Ademola Folakanmi Makuledoye II while speaking with newsmen on the activities lined up to celebrate the World Tourism Day 2021 in the State.
Oba Folakanmi disclosed that the community took the decision to honour the governor having taken into cognisance the governor’s genuine interest in grassroot development including the Ado Awaye community and its environs.
According to him, “we deem it fit to appreciate the governor for massive development of infrastructure especially good road network in every nook and cranny of the state including oke Ogun region. You will recall that His Excellency has reconstructed the Moniya-Iseyin road. This road has made it easier for travelers from Ibadan to Oke Ogun area to have smooth trip to and fro.”
“Similarly, the governor has commenced the rehabilitation of Oyo-Iseyin road which happens to be Federal road. By the time that the rehabilitation work completes in this road that links Oke Ogun towns altogether, it will further boost our economy in the region and facilitate easier traveling to Ado Awaye Tourism site.
“All these and many more which the governor has committed to, has given us concern that we are so blessed to have a governor that is performing and therefore, worthy of being honoured with this prestigious award so as to appreciate and motivate him to do more.” The monarch disclosed.
Other dignitaries billed to be honoured alongside Governor Makinde for contributing meaningfully to promotion of tourism development in the State include the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, Secretary to the Oyo State government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige.
Others are Honourable Adeola Bamidele and Isiaka Kazeem, members of Oyo State House of Assembly, Senior Special Assistant to Ekiti State Governor on Culture, Tourism and Arts Development, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre among others.
Royal fathers in Oyo state that will grace the occasion include the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, the Permanent Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, who will equally be honoured with Royal award, the Aseyin of Iseyin ,Oba Abdulganiyu Adekunle Oloogunebi, the Okere of Saki, the Iba of Kishi, the Onjo of Okeho and other traditional rulers from oke ogun and Ibarapa regions of Oyo State.
Other activities expected during the ceremony according to the Monarch, Oba Folakanmi include Sensitisation programme through Community cleansing rally all around Ado Awaye on 26th September; drama sketch performance and local Cultural entertainments including “Afin cultural dancers”; Public lecture with the theme: Tourism for Inclusive Growth, to be delivered by Engr Dotun Sanusi, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Ilaji Hotels & Sports Resort which is aimed at orientating the people on the importance of tourism in economic development.
Furthermore, a book titled: Iyake Suspended Lake, the pride of Africa will be launched while Ado Awaye Tourism Ambassadors will also be appointed as part of the activities slated for Monday 27th September, 2021.
Many dignitaries within and outside Nigeria are expected to grace the occasion.