PITO, OCI and VisitOsoso Initiatives mull Synergy

Three tourism and culture promotion Initiatives have commenced synergy talks to make Ososo a top choice for both local and international tourists.

The move which has attracted dignitaries and stakeholders of the tourism industry commenced in a carnival-like atmosphere at the Ososo Cultural Center when the the founder of VisitOsoso and anchor of the meeting, Mr. Bello Daniel called out the Iregba cultural dance band to entertain participants.

The Iregba dance troupe was soon joined by Mr. Tunde Ajayi (a.k.a Zealano) President and founder of Project Independence to Ososo (PITO) and top rated contemporary Ososo musician, Gabriel Osoname a.k.a Empeace. Other musicians who performed at the event were Messrs Olori Jerome and Oseke

Mr Tunde Ajayi who began the discussion on synergy, pointed out that there were beautiful developmental sectors in Ososo that needed synergy. He spoke glowingly about Ososo music which according to him, is very beautiful. He also praised the rugged determination of Empeace, whom he said has pioneered modern Ososo music since 1999.

The President, Ososo Carnival Initiative (OCI), Mr. Moses Ajayi, appreciated the founder of VisitOsoso, Mr. Bello Daniel for his bold steps on the project. He noted that though there were a number of tourism initiatives in Ososo, such initiatives will not materialise without synergy and consistency. He warned against personal interests and political affiliation which he described as twin evils that can limit the potentials of viable projects.
Mr. Alfred Peters, a philanthropist, and founder of the Ososo Cultural Center said that he was moved to build the Ososo Cultural Center to preserve Ososo heritage. He said that the Center was not about him but about the Ososo community.

“I advocate and appreciate moving forward; but while moving forward, we shouldn’t forget where we are coming from. The Center is also to provide vocational training for the young ones”, he stated.

Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and diaspora affairs, Prince Dele Obaitan was also in attendance. He acknowledged the good administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki through the huge investment in human capacity, agriculture, power, tourism, etc.

“I was sworn in on my birthday. I quickly studied in details the governance of the State and one day the Governor told me that if I can’t do meaningful things with my office to better the lives of the people, it’s shame on me. The governor is a good man who loves Ososo.’’

The Commissioner warned against the misuse of social media. “Social media is powerful and you should make good use of it. Many youths use it wrongly and that’s a big disservice to them.’’

He spoke about the projects that have been proposed to be located in the local government area. These he said would turn the dreams of anyone into reality. He urged the youths to take advantage of them when they come on stream, for gainful employment.

In a chat with Akoko Edo Community newspaper, Mr. Samuel Olaniyan of Olaniyan Travels Company in Oyo State said, “my views so far is that Ososo is like heaven on earth. A lot of tourism treasure lies here in Ososo which I believe will definitely bring Ososo to the center of the world. The events have been fun and I’ve been really enjoying my stay since I got here. I won’t hesitate to come back here again and package a tour to Ososo in 2023.

Mr Mohammed Sani of Labbaik Travel and Tours Benin Repulic told our reporter that Ososo is the heart of tourism in Edo State.

—By Jayms Smart

jaymssmart@gmail.com