The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has called on both the federal and state governments to explore and invest meaningfully in Nigeria’s tourism sector as a means of fostering economic growth.
Adams made the appeal on Friday during the 2025 Olumo Festival held at Olumo Rock, Abeokuta.
The Olumo Festival is a grand celebration of unity and a significant component of the annual Lisabi Festival, commemorating the legendary Lisabi Akala’s heroic resistance which secured freedom for the Egbas from the rule of the Alaafin of Oyo.
Speaking at the occasion, Aare Onakakanfo affirmed that tourism, if properly harnessed, could become a major foreign exchange earner for the country. He acknowledged, however, that insecurity remains a critical obstacle to realising this vision.
“Federal and state governments should establish historical destinations—places people can visit for leisure and cultural enrichment. In doing so, citizens will rediscover their heritage,” Adams said.
“One of the greatest challenges we face today is insecurity. If government can create an enabling environment by improving security and re-orientating our youth about the values inherent in tourism, Nigeria has immense untapped potential to generate wealth through this sector.”
He noted that unlike mineral resources, which are exhaustible, tourism remains a renewable source of economic value.
“Thailand records over 40 million tourists annually, and statistics show that Britain receives no less than 35 million tourists each year. We must understand that this is a time when countries are shifting focus from extractive industries to tourism as a viable source of revenue.
“Tourism is a gold you cannot exhaust with your eyes. You can mine minerals and deplete them, but tourism is a renewable economic resource. The better it is organised and packaged, the more wealth it attracts—people will continue to visit, and the nation will earn valuable foreign currency,” he added.
In his remarks, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, warmly welcomed sons and daughters of Egbaland, guests, and well-wishers to the event. He expressed profound gratitude to Governor Dapo Abiodun for his promise to refurbish the three lifts at Olumo Rock and elevate the site to a premier position among Nigeria’s tourist attractions.
