The Federal Government of Nigeria has been urged to invest more in the nation’s tourism sector and harness cultural festivals as drivers of economic growth and national development.
The call was made on Sunday at a press conference held at Oodua House, marking the launch of the 2026 Eledumare Festival organised by the Olokun Festival Foundation.
Speaking on behalf of the foundation’s founder, Gani Adams, Professor Kolawole Raheem described the Eledumare Festival as a 21-day celebration honouring God Almighty while showcasing Yoruba cultural heritage.
Raheem stressed that supporting local festivals could stimulate commerce, attract both domestic and international visitors, and generate significant economic opportunities. He called on the government, through the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, to actively promote Nigeria as a global tourism destination and encourage citizens to explore domestic attractions.
“The NTDA must actively promote and market tourist attractions, including festivals, historic sites, museums, parks, game reserves, beaches and holiday resorts to both domestic and international audiences,” he said.
Highlighting tourism’s underutilised potential, Raheem noted that the sector currently contributes only about 3.6 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, compared to roughly 10 per cent in countries where tourism is a major economic driver. He said investing in tourism infrastructure—hotels, hospitality services, and festival facilities—would support the growing interest in cultural tourism and help diversify the economy beyond oil.
Raheem expressed confidence that the Eledumare Festival could eventually rival globally celebrated events such as the Rio Carnival, Notting Hill Carnival, Holi Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and Songkran, and could gain national recognition that might even warrant a public holiday in its honour.
The annual festival, held across various communities in Yorubaland, aims to preserve traditions, strengthen communal unity, and showcase Yoruba cultural values to a wider audience.
