As the world awaits the celebration of this year World Tourism Day, the Oyo State Government is not left behind as it has unveiled its plan towards celebrating the day slated for 27 September 2021.
The United Nations World Tourism Day (UNWTO) sets aside every 27th of September, to celebrate World Tourism Day and the day is considered a landmark for global tourism to make the world aware of the significant role of tourism. The main objective of world tourism day is to spread awareness among the international community on the importance of tourism to strengthen social, cultural and economic values. It is also aimed at highlighting the importance of travelling and promoting the respective nation’s tourism sector.
This year’s official celebration will be hosted by Cote d’Ivoire to celebrate tourism’s ability to drive inclusive development and promote respect while generating opportunities for millions across the globe. The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”.
The Oyo State Government, while unveiling its plan for the celebration said Ado Awaye in Iseyin Local Government Area will host the 2021 World Tourism Day. The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Culture and Tourism, Hon Akeem Ademola Ige, speaking on behalf of the state government, disclosed during an inspection visit to the Ado Awaye Suspended Lake where the celebration will be held.
Ado Awaye hanging lake is said to be the only suspended lake in the world and it is located about 20 kilometres West of Iseyin, in Oyo State. The suspended lake is housed on one of the crests of rocks. Similarly, the 350 steps leading to the top of the hill housing the lake takes about two hours to climb. The route to the lake contains many shrines and notable historical spots that make it a tourist delight.
The lake is a large sloping rocky plain, which can be developed into a picnic/camping site. On top of the hill, one gets a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of the area.
History has it that while Ado Awaye people lived on the mountain, they worshipped the mountain and revered the various unique natural formations they found on the mountain. It was reported that barren women among the people at the time were able to conceive due to their devotion to the worship of the mountain. The tranquil Iyake Lake is one of the most revered attractions on the mountain.
History further has it that the ancestors of the Ado people believe that the lake is so powerful that whatever prayer is made with its water will yield supernatural results. It is also said that there are 16 gods on the Oke-Ado Mountain. These gods are embodied in specific natural landmarks on the mountain. Each of these landmarks constitutes tourist attractions on the mountain, lined up along the path which leads up the mountain.
I led the state government delegation which included the lawmaker representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency, Hon. Dele Adeola Bamidele; Special Assistant to the Governor on Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Hon. Tallest Innocent; member Oyo State Tourism Board, Hon Serah Shobowale; Deputy Director of Tourism, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Fagebo; tourism and travels consultant, Funmi Rotiba, and others to the secretariat of Iseyin Local Government to brief the council authority on the development and the palace of the Alado of Ado Awaye, said the purpose of the visit was to brief the monarch and the council’s officials on the choice of Ado Awaye Suspended Lake as the venue of World Tourism Day 2021 and to inspect the foremost tourist site ahead of the day for necessary preparation to be put in place.
He lauded the monarch for his zeal and eagerness towards the development of Ado Awaye, adding that he is always after community development and not personal interest. The Special Adviser, who appreciated the uniqueness of the town, said the state government led by Governor Makinde has been talking with investors about the development of the Ado Awaye Suspended Lake which is a special and lovely place that attracts lots of tourists from all over the world.
He added that due to its uniqueness, majority of the people would take the opportunity of this year’s celebration to visit the town to see the wonderful lake. According to him, “Kabiyesi, the reason why we are here today is to inform you about the state government’s decision to use the Ado Awaye Suspended Lake here in Ado Awaye as the venue for the World Tourism Day 2021 which is coming up on the 27th of September, 2021 and also to inspect the Lake, so that necessary things will be done ahead of the day. The 2020 World Tourism Day was celebrated at Idere town with a focus on Idere hill.”
“I must appreciate the natural endowment gifted to this community by God. Initially, we were told there are two suspended lakes across the globe, one in Colorado in the United States of America and one in Ado Awaye here. But recently, research has shown that the one in Colorado is artificial. With this, we can say we have just one natural suspended lake in the whole world and it is here in Ado Awaye.
“Kabiyesi and I are always talking. I must commend him for his zeal and move towards bringing development to Ado Awaye, especially the Ado Awaye Suspended Lake. Let me also inform you that the Oyo state government led by Engineer Seyi Makinde is in talks with investors towards developing the Lake. We hope that very soon, things will change”, he stated.
He also commended the lawmaker representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Bamidele, for his move and drive towards the development of Ado Awaye, adding that the lawmaker has the love of his people at heart.
The Alado of Ado Awaye, Oba Folakanmi, Makunledoye II, thanked Governor Makinde for the developmental projects in the Oke Ogun area and Oyo State in general. He commended the governor for the road from Ibadan to Iseyin that led to Ado Awaye, provision of electricity supply and improved security in the community. The monarch also lauded the leader of the team, Hon. Ige, for making Ado Awaye the venue of the 2021 World Tourism Day, adding that since he assumed office he has been outstanding and doing wonderfully well towards reviving tourist sites in the state, especially the Ado Awaye Suspended Lake.
He also disclosed some of the efforts of the community on the suspended lake to protect and preserve it to complement that of the government since they know that the government cannot do it alone.
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