Earlier yesterday, Ado-Awaye, the ancient town in Iseyin Local Government of Oyo State went agog as it received people from all walks of life to celebrate the World Tourism Day.
World Tourism Day is an event organized by the United Nations every year to mark the wonders of nature. Oyo State housing several tourist attractions is one of the States in Nigeria that could be launched into prosperity if tourism is properly developed.
Ado-Awaye has several amazing wonders, one of the two suspended lakes in the whole world after the one in Colorado, USA called Iyake Lake, the Ishage hanging rock, elephant-like-tree, among others.
The event which started early morning yesterday with the theme, “Tourism for Inclusive Growth” was graced by several dignatories in the State and beyond. The Alado of Ado-Awaye, Oba Samuel Olugbile Makuledoye 1 while receiving the guests thanked the executive governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for making Ado-Awaye the host of this year’s World Tourism Day.
In his remark, Olugbile was quoted as saying, “On behalf of Maku Ruling House of Ado Awaye, we appreciate the presence of Ado Awaye indigenes and Okeogun in general including the Oyo State Government for the possibility of this year(2021) World Tourism Day which was centered to Ado Awaye, we also appreciate the important role every individual has played to support the event and I pray that this year will not be the end of our life. Amin”.
According to the Alado of Ado Awaye, if the suspended lake is developed to meet up with the international standard, it can make Oyo one of the richest states in the country.
The traditional ruler therefore used the ocassion to call for more government’s support towards the development of the tourist attractions in the town.
Among the guests that graced the ocassion were the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Dr. Ganiyu Adekunle Ajinese 1, Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, Mr. Mufutau Abilawon, Member, Oyo State House of Assembly who is also an indigene of the town, Hon. Dele Adeola, Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ademola Ige, Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye among several others.