Epe’s people were not left out as the world celebrated World Tourism Day on Monday, September 27, 2021.
A one-day event with carnival-like themes was held to raise awareness of the economic significance of tourism, its socio-political, cultural, and economic importance both in local and international communities.
Culture performances, boat regattas, a mini-exhibition, live performances, and the creation of Epe Tourism’s new visual identity are also highlights of the event.
The ceremony was held at a historic waterside venue, Oju Alaro, at Epe Marina.
At its entrance, Oju Alaro houses a shrine overlooking a vast lagoon that serves as a local gateway linking Epe to the outside world.
Across the street, signs of the Lagos State Government building a new jetty can be seen.
The area around the market is bustling with activity as it is a hub of commerce and culture at the same time.
Hon. (Princess) Surah Olayemi Animashaun, Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government, is at the forefront of this drive to attract strategic collaboration to the rich aquatic splendour of Lagos.
Dressed in Ankara and decked in cowries, the former tourism supervisor opened the door to collaboration that will promote meaningful tourism development.
The showcase ceremony attracted dignitaries such as the Oloja and Paramount ruler of Epe Land, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, The Olu Epe of Epe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Shefiu Olatunji Adewale (Bamgbopa Esinlokun 1), title chiefs, traditionalists, Local Government counsellors, among others. Others include representatives of Mrs Uzamat Akinbile Yussuf, Commissioner for Tourism, Dr Joe Owie, Managing Director, Villa Rica Beach Resort, Eleko, among others.
In her welcome address, the Executive Chairman acknowledged the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) theme tagged Tourism for Inclusive Growth under the leadership of Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvii.
“As we gradually ease out of the restrictions and containment measures of the Covid19 pandemic.
It is essential to have conversations around the diversification of the economy, shifting from total reliance on the oil sector and identifying other more inclusive non-oil sectors that can be equally beneficial to the Nigerian economy and its people,” she said.
Buttressing the economic impact of tourism on job creation, Hon. (Princess) Surah O. Animashaun went on to say: “Our country is blessed with rich tourist attractions and if properly harnessed, will not only impact positively on the IGR of the nation by increasing international and local trade within different sectors but will also create employment opportunities for a cross-section of people in various areas of specializations.”
“Currently, tourism stands as one of the biggest drivers for economic development and growth, accounting for 10.4 per cent of the world’s GDP.
“Being one of the fastest-growing industries, nations all over the world are increasing their investment in tourism development and leveraging heavily on their cultural exports to promote their destinations and kickstart their economy. Epe must not be left behind.”
Speaking about crucial attractions in Epe, Honourable Apata Samson Olatunji Olayan, Managing Director, Eko Destination Limited, disclosed, “One key feature that draws people to Epe is its vast resources of fishes which makes people call it the ‘fish basket’ of Lagos and indeed, Nigeria. People come even from outside the shores of Nigeria to buy fish at our famous Oluwo Market.”
“Another attraction is the site of today’s event called ‘Oju Alaro’ with its shrine and a tour guide to tell people about its significance.
“One key attraction about Epe is that it is blessed with a beautiful waterfront, and this attracts a lot of people regularly.
“This ceremony is held to draw attraction to all these vast resources which are largely untapped. Rome was not built in a day, and we believe that with strategic partnerships, we can together turn Epe into one of the choicest travel destinations in Africa.”
An essential highlight of the event was the Agira Dance performed by three colourfully clad Agira Magbo Masquerade of Epe land.
Their energetic performance was accompanied by Epe dialect songs and local drums, transforming the atmosphere into carnival madness.
The 40-man group left the audience in awe with their bursts of adrenaline-pumping gyrations, showcasing Epe culture first-hand without apologies.
Another spectacle was Oko Eshi, or Boat Regatta as it is commonly known. The boats were decorated extensively in colourful fabrics and manoeuvred in the lagoon with the gyrations of their cultural groups.
The Aziza Cultural Troupe performs the beautiful Agehun dance, a symbol of aquatic culture. There is also an all-white female Woro Dance Group.
Commending the organizers, Owie agreed with the chief host that tourism could help the people of Epe to leverage its untapped natural endowments fully.
Owie, a stakeholder who runs Villa Rica Beach Resorts, disclosed, “Tourism is the future of this country and an easy way to increase our Foreign Direct Income (FDI). Local tourism needs to be more promoted as a better alternative.
“This will not be possible without good infrastructures so that our tourism can be very accessible. Tourism has the highest return of investment.”
