By Ekunkonye Junior
Abuja
The Director-General (DG) of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ola Awakan, has paid a courtesy visit to the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom in Yaba, Lagos, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions for cultural tourism development.
Awakan and his delegation were received by His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeshina Adeniyi, the Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, alongside Olori Mosunmola Anike Adeniyi, the Bales of the kingdom, and members of the White Cap Chiefs. The visit opened with a vibrant cultural procession by the revered Gelede Masquerades, showcasing the community’s rich heritage.
Addressing the NTDA chief, Oba Adeniyi commended him for honouring the invitation and for driving innovation within Nigeria’s tourism sector. The monarch applauded Awakan’s initiatives aimed at repositioning the country’s cultural heritage on the global stage.
The traditional ruler expressed interest in a strategic partnership between the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom and the NTDA, noting the community’s readiness to participate in ongoing efforts to develop and promote tourism. He highlighted key cultural assets in the kingdom, including the Gelede Masquerades, a symbol associated with fertility and childbirth, and two ancient iroko trees in the community that are more than 250 years old.
In his response, Awakan thanked the monarch for the invitation, honour, and warm reception, describing the visit as culturally enriching and strategically important to the Authority’s mandate. He emphasized the role traditional institutions play in advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector and growing its economic value.
The DG stressed that effective storytelling is essential to unlocking the value of cultural heritage. He explained that documenting and sharing the stories behind cultural elements such as the Gelede Masquerades and the ancient iroko trees would enhance their appeal to both local and international tourists.
Awakan further proposed featuring Igbobi-Sabe’s tourism assets in the ongoing NITOUREY Project, described as Africa’s first dedicated tourism streaming platform designed to showcase Nigeria’s rich and vibrant tourism assets to the world. The meeting later proceeded with a guided tour of one of the iroko tree sites in Abule Ijesa, Yaba.
After inspecting the site, the NTDA boss said it holds significant potential for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He encouraged the traditional ruler to work closely with the Authority to develop initiatives that would revitalize the historic landmarks, positioning them as prominent symbols of Nigeria’s cultural tourism. The visit ended with royal blessings from the monarch, who wished Awakan wisdom and success in his tenure.
