Commissioner stresses on tourism, culture as foreign income earner

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NIGERIA: OGUN State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Bashorun Muyiwa Oladipo, has described culture and tourism sector as foreign exchange earner that can propel the nation’s economic growth, if developed.

Oladipo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Alhaja Otun, disclosed this at the first annual conference of Academy for Arts and Culture held at the Iwe-Iroyin Press Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
He also blamed the economic recession in the country on over dependence on oil and gas sector as the only foreign exchange earner.According to him, the present economic realities in the country necessitated the need for the country to turn away from oil as the only foreign exchange earner.
He said: “You will agree with me that the culture and tourism sector, if properly developed, can earn the country the desired foreign exchange.”
Oladipo, however, urged government at all levels to look inward and develop the culture and tourism industry by enhancing the tourist sites which could attract tourists from around the world.

This approach, he said, could change the outlook of the country as experienced in some countries like United Arab Emirates, Egypt, United States of America and many more others.
He also urged Nigerians to promote indigenous culture which will not only enhance the potentials of African culture, but also bring about the desired growth to the nation’s economy.
His words: “I will like to say that you and I have a role to play to make the desired growth in the Nigerian economy through cultural tourism by embracing our culture fully and promoting it to the outside world.
Oladipo also stressed that the Ministry was ready to partner with individuals and institutions that are dedicated to the course of promoting and developing arts and culture towards economic growth in the country.

* By Johnson Idowu