The new song all over the world is diversification, and it is a song that Nigeria should be singing be especially from the tourism sector. And as individuals continue to develop tremendous regard for the wonders of nature, and are willing to cross oceans to fill their cravings, it will be a form of continental arrogance not to keep beating the drums to beckon them to our playground. Fortunately, Nigeria has a retinue of drummers who have kept beating the drums such that across the oceans, the beats are getting people to dance.
At the just concluded World Trade Market (WTM) which took place in the UK, from November 4 to November 7, 2013, involving several countries from across the world, another window of opportunity was opened for Nigeria to showcase her enormous potentials in the tourism sector.
The team that represented the country as exhibitors and sponsors were men and women of intimidating resume. Leading the pack was the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke. His giant strides to awaken the consciousness of the global village to the nation’s breathtaking landscapes and alluring vistas were complemented by the bold imprint of Mrs Sally Mbanefo, the Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC). Hers was not just about flashing her luminesce as she purpose fully matched with passion, moving beyond the comfort of her kinsmen stands, to conceptualising the ideals of what tourism stands for; integration and investment, and she pulled it off successfully, establishing contacts with other African countries, and securing the attention of World Bank officials, and international training programmes for her parastatal.
One important fact that could not be missed was the involvement of companies waving the Nigerian flags, doubling as sponsors and partners for NTDC at the WTM. Among the lot, Infogem Limited, led by the Managing Director, Mr Ayo Olumoko, shone with his trademark product being the marketing consultant for the famous Osun Osogbo Festival.
For Olumoko, who has become a player in the marketing of community festivals in Nigeria, the WTM was a platform which he used on to beckon to prospective tourists and investors on their need to capitalize on the enormous opportunities the Osun Osogbo Festival carries. Beyond his company, Infogem Limited, being a sponsor and an exhibitor, Olumoko displayed his knowledge of the intricacies and rewards of making tourism a major revenue spinner for the country. At a point, when he wore another cap as the MC at the occasion, he left his audience breathless with his oratory skills matched with a fine blend of sartorial elegance, such that the Nigeria High Commissioner in the UK, Alhaji Tafida Dalhatu expressed admiration for the passion he showed in his quest to see Nigeria break global frontiers and assert their pride as a nation endowed with surplus of natural grandeur.
He equally showcased a deep visionary outlook as he unveiled major community events planned for 2014, which when executed, will shift global attention to Nigeria as a country serious on harvesting the gains of tourism. Together with the NTDC team and other companies fully represented at the WTM, it was a well-choreographed effort that certainly did the country proud.
Back to the Osun Osogbo Festival, there is no doubt that Nigeria is literally sitting on fame and fortune, and credit must be given to previous and present government policies that have helped to position the festival beyond a mere religious ceremony, to a global activity that attracts men and women of different faiths and cultures.
The Osun Osogbo Festival now prides as a cultural hub for those interested in the ancient allure of culture. This is the song Infogem Limited is singing to would- be investors and partners, who in the open and in introspection, will admit to the mileage such an event will give to their products and services. Two reasons for this are: the Osun Osogbo festival retains an almost perfect re-enactment of events and artifacts that have been institutionalised more than 600 years ago, and the second being the fact that the Osun grove is a UNESCO certified world heritage site.
The onus is therefore, on the citizens to fully open their minds and be allowed to be serenaded with all the exciting opportunities at their doorsteps. Community participation is encouraged to breathe life into many of these events to fully establish its relevance in the development of a nation.
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