The Oyo State Government has announced plans to celebrate the indigenous textile popularly known as Aso Ofi, with a special focus on the traditional fabric produced in Iseyin, as part of activities marking the 2016 World Tourism Day.
The three-day celebration is scheduled to hold from September 25 to 27, 2016, with the grand finale expected to take place on September 27 at the old NYSC camp in Iseyin.
With the theme, “Tourism for All — Promoting Universal Accessibility: Special Focus on Aso Ofi,” the programme is designed to showcase the cultural and economic significance of the traditional textile while promoting tourism and entrepreneurship in the state.
Speaking at a press conference held at the film theatre of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, the then Commissioner, Mr. Toye Arulogun, said the state government was collaborating with the Iseyin Weavers and Marketers Association to promote Aso Ofi as an important component of the state’s cultural tourism economy.
According to Arulogun, the initiative was intended to promote the Southwest ceremonial fabric while creating opportunities for fashion tourism, youth empowerment and entrepreneurial development.
“This year’s edition of the World Tourism Day, which will be celebrated between the 25th and 27th of September at the old NYSC camp, Iseyin, will be a platform to reawaken the indigenous textile sector of the Oyo State economy with a view to adding value to the production and marketing process,” he said.
Three-Day Programme Planned
Arulogun explained that the programme would feature a variety of cultural and entertainment activities designed to attract visitors and showcase the rich heritage of Iseyin and Oyo State.
Activities lined up for the celebration included a road show through Iseyin, weaving competitions, musical concerts, cultural displays, fashion parades, a colloquium and exhibitions.
He said the initiative was also part of the state government’s broader efforts to promote its cultural assets and stimulate economic activities around tourism.
“Governor Abiola Ajimobi is committed to turning around the fortunes of Oyo State in a holistic manner such that every facet of life and every sector will experience development in the state,” Arulogun said.
“Top on the list of that agenda is the transformation of the beautiful landscapes, historical sites and cultural heritage of the people,” he added.
Government Seeks Private Sector Support
The commissioner also called on corporate organisations and individual investors to partner with the state government in preserving Oyo State’s cultural heritage.
He said greater investment was needed to protect historical sites, artefacts and monuments while creating opportunities to unlock the economic potential of cultural tourism.
Arulogun maintained that promoting Aso Ofi would not only preserve an important aspect of Yoruba cultural heritage but could also provide opportunities for local weavers, marketers, young entrepreneurs and other participants in the textile value chain.
The 2016 World Tourism Day celebration was therefore expected to place Iseyin’s indigenous textile tradition at the centre of efforts to promote Oyo State as a destination for cultural and tourism activities.
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