Adeleke moves to boost tourism, targets UNESCO status for Osun cultural sites

By Isaac Joseph Inyang

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has unveiled a comprehensive plan to upgrade cultural and tourist sites across the state, with a target of increasing tourist inflow by 60 percent within the next year.

The governor said the initiative, which combines direct government intervention and public-private partnerships (PPP), will modernize major cultural landmarks, including the Erin Ijesa Waterfalls in Oriade Local Government Area.

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According to the state’s Ministry of Arts and Culture, the phased upgrade will position Osun’s heritage sites for global recognition and eventual listing under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Among the projects already approved are the Ifá Agbaye Temple in Ile-Ife, which hosts the annual Ifa Day celebration, the Iwude Ijesa festival project designed to woo international investors, and the Sango Timi Shrine, which will feature a sacred grove, auditorium, pavilion, craft workshops, and a museum kitchen.

The Osun Osogbo Grove, a UNESCO-recognized heritage site, will also continue to receive priority attention from the state government as part of its global cultural tourism agenda.

Governor Adeleke emphasized that all projects will strictly follow due process, with allocations captured in the state budget and procurement records made publicly available online.

“Expanding tourist inflow is a cardinal programme within our agenda. As the cradle of the Yoruba nation, we have a lot to showcase to deepen the tourism industry,” Adeleke said.

He added that the administration is committed to diversifying Osun’s economy by strengthening the tourism sector in partnership with the private sector, while ensuring fiscal and procurement transparency.

Since assuming office, the Adeleke administration has maintained a record of financial transparency, which the governor said will remain central to the state’s development drive.