As a furtherance to Tourism Expansion in the State, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, FNSE, is set to rehabilitate the roads leading to the Iyake International Festival Ground at the foot of Ado Hills.
The Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun stated this at the just concluded Annual Iyake International Festival in Ado Awaye, Araromi LCDA, Iseyin, Oyo State, quoting that “Iseyin is becoming the central business unit of Oyo State” hence an ease of Tourists movement and attraction of more investment opportunities to the town and its environs, which will in turn boost revenue in the State’s Economy.
Dr. Olatubosun in his remarks charged on the importance of promoting Tourism in the State by and large, Ado Awaye that houses the only natural suspended lake in Africa and the world, Iyake Suspended Lake on the Ado Hills domiciled in the Oke Ogun Axis of Oyo State. He affirmed that the Infrastructural development projects embarked on by the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, have added value to tourism expansion in the State.
Recall that Iseyin has witnessed various developmental projects through the interconnectivity road network amongst the geopolitical zones with evident tourist attractions to the town and its environs, he added. Noting the Iyake Suspended Lake as a universal unique gift of nature out of the One Hundred and Sixty Eight Tourists Sites in the State, which must be well preserved by all Stakeholders.
Olatubosun charged Iseyin Local Government and Ado Awaye LCDA to further improve on the attendance of crowds during the festival celebration which will in turn serve as leverage for UNESCO enlistment of the festival in a near time.
In a similar remark, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Segun Olayiwola ably represented by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Aiki Tunde further gave the assurance of the State Government through the Ministry to rehabilitate the road network to the Ado Hills before the next annual Iyake Festival.
In his response, the Alado of Ado Awaye, His Royal Majesty Oba Revd. Ademola Folakanmi, Olugbile Makuledoye II, lauded the efforts of the Oyo State Government in tourism expansion and cultural propagation, describing this act as a beacon of hope for a thriving and sustainable economy and cultural preservation, going by the transformational and structural developments in the State. He further described the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, as an avid lover of Oke Ogun people.
Oba Folakanmi , then appealed to the State Government to expedite necessary actions in ensuring Ado Awaye and Ado Hill, a world class tourist destination and site. He hints at the new discovery of ‘Ona Aluyo’ a route considered as ‘Oju Oke’ meaning the main path of breakthrough to the Ado Hill.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman Planning Committee of Iyake International Festival, Mr Bolatito Olalere extended appreciation to the Oyo State government for the consistent support received through the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, and Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters. He enjoined all Stakeholders to make the aforementioned vision a reality.
In their successive goodwill messages, the Curator, National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye Ibadan, Mrs Oriyomi Pamela Otuka and the Executive Chairman, Iseyin Local Government, Hon. Mufutau Abilawion, commended on the festival as becoming a household name nationwide and across the shores of Africa, calling on Public Private Partnership both locally and in the diaspora to invest in the promotion of this historic heritage.
Highlights of the event include, Prize Giving and Decoration of the Omidan Iyake Beauty Pageant Winner, Cultural and Musical performances by the Oyo State Performing Troupe, Health Check Services, and more.
In attendance at the event were the Directorates and Managements of The National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan, and Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Oyo State, Political Heads and Functionaries, Traditional Rulers, The Olori of Alado of Ado Awaye, Chief Mrs Fadekemi Folakanmi, Religious Leaders and Isese worshippers, gentle men of the press among others.
Iyake International Festival is celebrated annually every November at the foot of Ado Hill in Ado Awaye.
This year’s event was a three day long program at the newly discovered route known as ‘Ona Aluyo’ which played host to thousands of Tourists. The event featured: Festival Discourse, Youth Carnival, Omidan Iyake Beauty Pageant, Hiking,Opening of Aluyo’ Park and Gardens Tourism Village and many more.