Tourism key to GDP growth, job creation — Gani Adams |

KontrinewsMarch 29, 20261 Mins read3

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has urged the federal and state governments to harness Nigeria’s vast tourism potential as a means of boosting Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generating foreign exchange, and creating jobs.

He stated this on Friday at the 2026 Olumo Festival held as part of the activities celebrating the Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Adams decried what he described as the nonchalant attitude of successive governments towards the development of the tourism sector, stressing that a revitalised industry could significantly strengthen the nation’s economy.

According to him, Nigeria stands to earn substantial foreign revenue if the government moves beyond rhetoric and takes concrete steps to develop tourism.

He noted that a well-packaged tourism industry could attract foreign investment, reduce unemployment, and discourage youth involvement in social vices.

“Tourism, if properly developed, can change the narrative of unemployment in Nigeria and improve the country’s global image,” he said.

Adams identified insecurity as a major challenge hindering tourism growth and called on the government to continue to create an enabling environment.

He added that countries such as the United States of America and Thailand generate significant revenue from tourism, urging Nigeria to emulate their models.

He also advocated the separation of the Olumo Festival from Lisabi Day celebrations, recommending independent budgeting to transform Olumo Rock into a global tourism hub.

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“The Olumo Festival requires structured fiscal commitment from the state government to scale up into a global tourism asset,” he said.

While commending past administrations for improving access to the site, he called for more deliberate efforts to maximise its tourism value.

In his remarks, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, commended Adams for promoting Yoruba cultural heritage.

Gbadebo urged Egba sons and daughters to embrace the Olumo Festival as a tool for economic growth and assured continued support from traditional institutions.

He expressed optimism that with proper funding and collective effort, the festival could attain global recognition and contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.