Osun Govt Sets To Complete Tourist Sites
…….. charges residents to be cautious of fire outbreak as dry season approaches
The Osun State Government under the administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has embarked on full restoration of tourist sites in the State such as, Igbo Ifa in Ila- Orangun, Obaala Palace in Ilesa and Olumirin waterfalls in Erin-Ijesa, Oriade Local Government Area of the State, just as the state is fully prepared to forestall any fire incident as the dry season is approaching.
The Supervising Commissioner for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism who also doubles as the Supervising Commissioner for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Engr. Olalekan Badmus stated this during a two day inspection of the three historical sites and Fire Service Stations across the State.
He said Igbo Ifa in Ila-Orangun and Obaala Palace in Ilesa had been under renovation for some time which needs to be fully restored to its ancient structure and full capacity.
The Supervising Commissioner who was accompanied by the Management team of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Home Affairs, Osun Tourism Board, Council for Arts and Culture said the restoration of the ancient tourist sites is very germaine, noting that, this will enable them to serve their purposes.
Engr. Badmus added that Igbo Ifa is one of the historical sites and also a worship Centre for Ifa Worshippers and other Traditional religion worshippers. He further stated that the place is considered as a practical base for both local and International tourists who have pleasure in learning about Ifa religion.
He also explained that, the place is highly sacred and Traditional Ruler of Ila-Orangun do go there once a year to perform traditional rites and also pray for the peace and progress of the Community.
He explained that projects are being renovated through a grant from Germany; Gerda Henked Sifting Makastenstra Dusseldorf through the immediate past Commissioner, Dr Obawale Adebisi and Prof. Adisa Ogunfolakan of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.
He further said Obaala Palace is significant to Kiriji war adding that, there is no way anybody could talk about Kiriji war without making a recourse to Ogedengbe in Ilesha.
Engr. Badmus therefore said the tourist sites when completed will add to the Cultural value of the State; boost internally generated revenue and, be useful for educational purposes.
Meanwhile, the Supervising Commissioner has appealed to Osun residents to guard against any outbreak of fire as the dry season is approaching.
He stressed that the administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola is concerned about the welfare of the citizens and he is ensuring that all that will make people live a better life becomes his priority.
Engr. Badmus said ever since Governor Oyetola came on board, he has engaged the fire service men and employed more personnel; refurbishing of the operational vehicles; building of a modern Fire Service Stations across the State among others.
While speaking, Director of Fire Service in the State, Mr Ogundipe Michael used the opportunity to explain some of the challenges confronting the stations which may hinder the smooth running of the stations, while the Supervising Commissioner promised to find lasting solutions to them within short period of time.
Some of the stations visited are: Ikirun; Okuku; Ila-Orangun; Ilesa; Ipetu-Ijesa; and Ile- Ife fire stations.
