Tourism
The Are Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has urged the Federal Government to move tourism from the residual to the concurrent legislative list.
Adams, Chief Promoter of the Olokun Festival Foundation, made the call on Tuesday at the 2026 Olokun World Festival in Badagry, Lagos State.
The festival, held at Kankanfo Falola Beach along the Seme-Badagry Expressway, was organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Government.
Adams, who is also the National Coordinator of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), said the move would enable states to work with the Federal Government to harness Nigeria’s tourism potential.
“This will enable the various states to write embassies for easy approval of visas for tourists who want to visit their states.
“Approving visas for tourists should not be restricted to federal government influence,” he said.
He said placing tourism on the concurrent list would encourage states to intensify efforts to promote their tourism destinations.
Adams urged the Lagos State governor to appoint commissioners with relevant knowledge and experience in tourism to drive the sector’s development.
He described tourism as a goldmine that Nigeria had yet to fully exploit, citing the growing investments in the sector by oil-producing countries.
“Most of the Arab countries that have oil are now tapping into the immense potential of tourism.
“They are vigorously building their tourism sectors,” he said.
He cited the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia as examples.
Adams urged the government to address insecurity, improve infrastructure and reduce electricity tariffs to support tourism businesses.
He said these measures would enable hotels to reduce their room rates, attract more customers and encourage tourists to stay longer.
Adams said the Olokun Festival Foundation had inspired the celebration of more than 30 traditional festivals across Yorubaland.
He added that the initiative had encouraged several communities to revive their cultural heritage.
Mr Idowu Johnson, Director General of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, urged Nigerians to embrace their traditions and cultural heritage.
Johnson commended the festival organisers for their efforts to promote arts and culture.
Chief Ajose Oloyede, the Finhento of Badagry and regent of the town, said the festival had contributed to Badagry’s development.
Oloyede commended Adams for promoting unity among religious leaders in Badagry and Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that traditional rulers from Lagos and Ogun states, as well as the Republic of Benin, attended the festival. (NAN)
