Olukere visits Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development ahead of Olosunta Festival

By Udensi Bernard

THE Olukere of Ikere Ekiti, His Royal Majesty Oba Ganiyu Obasoyin, along with members of the Olukere-in-Council, recently paid a courtesy visit to the office of the Director General of Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development. The meeting was a significant step in the preparation for the upcoming Olosunta Orun Ikere Festival scheduled to take place in August.

The Olosunta Festival is an annual celebration that honours Olosunta Mountain, a site of great historical and cultural significance to the people of Ikere Ekiti. The mountain is revered as a mythical landmark tied to the very foundation and origin of the Ikere Ekiti community. Each year, the festival attracts thousands of tourists, both domestic and international, who come to witness the rich cultural heritage and participate in the festivities.

During the visit, Olukere Oba Ganiyu Obasoyin emphasized the importance of the bureau’s support in enhancing the festival’s reach and impact, noting, “The Olosunta Festival has grown to an international level, attracting visitors from far and wide. Our aim is to showcase the unique cultural heritage of Ikere Ekiti and further boost tourism in the region.”

Special Assistant Bureau of Tourism, Peculiar Ekiran (left); Chief Soya; Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Barr. Wale Ojo-Lanre; Olukere of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Ganiyu Obasoyin; Chief Osaya; Executive Secretary, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Adegboyega Morakinyo and Tourism Officer, Dolapo Ogunleye… in Ado Ekiti

The Director General of Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre and his team Executive Secretary, Barrister Adegboyega Morakinyo, Special Assistant Tourism, Peculiar Ekiran, Dolapo Ogunleye and others warmly received Okukere. The bureau’s DG commended the Olukere and his council for their unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural traditions of Ikere Ekiti.

“We recognize the tremendous efforts of the Olukere-in-Council in organizing the Olosunta Festival each year,” Ojo-Lanre said. “This festival is not just a cultural event but a significant tourism affair that contributes to the local economy and enhances the cultural visibility of Ekiti State.”

In response to the Olukere’s request for collaboration, the Director General assured that the bureau would provide substantial support to ensure the success of this year’s festival, adding, “We are committed to enhancing the Olosunta Festival by providing necessary resources and promotional support. Our goal is to make this festival a landmark event that continues to attract global attention and foster cultural tourism in Ekiti State.”

The Olosunta Festival promises a rich tapestry of cultural performances, traditional rites, and communal activities that celebrate the heritage of Ikere Ekiti. The collaboration between the Olukere-in-Council and the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development is expected to elevate the festival, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees and reinforcing Ikere Ekiti’s position as a cultural and tourism hub. The Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development is dedicated to promoting tourism within Ekiti State. The Bureau works to enhance the cultural and economic impact of tourism through support and collaboration with local communities and cultural custodians.