Governor Adeleke has directed the upgrade of Erin Ijesa Waterfall and other tourist sites to boost tourism.
As part of its all-encompassing tourism plan, the Osun State Government recently disclosed that it is undertaking a thorough overhaul of various tourist locations in the state. This includes enhancing the well-known Erin Osun Waterfalls to attract more visitors and promote sustainable growth within the sector.
In response to a viral video showcasing the deteriorating state of Erin Osun Waterfalls, Kolapo Alimi – The State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment has disclosed that the government is embarking on a systemic upgrade after years of abandonment by previous administrations.
Obasanjonews.com recently posted a viral video where a visitor expressed disappointment over the popular waterfall being transformed into an enormous dumping ground.
In addition, the video depicted a multitude of trash strewn throughout the premises which contained the waterfall.
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According to Alimi, the plan aimed at improving tourism infrastructure encompasses various cultural sites such as Olorunda’s Owala Inland Beach Resort, Ede’s Sango Timi Shrine and Oke-Ila Orangun’s Ayunkunnugba Waterfalls along with Osun Grove.
The condition of the tourist destinations in Osun, notably Erin Ijesha Water Falls located in Oriade local government area, has prompted Governor Adeleke to order an acceleration of ongoing refurbishment efforts for the attraction. These initiatives involve establishing a three-party committee responsible for overseeing the management of the site and other measures.
According to Alimi, the Erin-Ijesha Waterfall management is currently solely controlled by the community of Erin Ijesha. This decision was made in order to promote localisation and enhance overall local content, ultimately driving growth within the cultural and tourism industry at a grassroots level.
It was disclosed by the commissioner that Governor Adeleke had instructed for a three-way discussion to occur among Erin-Ijesa Community’s leaders, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism alongside those from the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment. This meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14th in 2024 with an aim to collaboratively devise ways to sustainably preserve their environment whilst devising a suitable plan which will provide advantages across all involved parties.
It is my aim to confirm to the wider community that Governor Ademola Adeleke and his administration in Osun State have established a comprehensive plan for tourism, encompassing all of our cultural and tourist destinations.
Tomorrow’s meeting will enhance the level of reforms in order to meet both community and tourism expectations.
The public was reassured by him that Osun government is enthusiastic about tourism and has set it as one of their five significant agendas.
Additionally, he pointed out that the public private partnership model is welcome in the state.
