LAGOS – A lecturer in tourism, Mr Frank Ogundano, said on Friday that the federal and state governments could boost tourism if they took advantage of statues of national heroes to develop parks.
Ogundano, who is the Head of Department, Leisure and Tourism Management, Lagos State Polytechnic, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
He said that the incorporation of statues of national heroes in the development of parks and gardens would immortalise such heroes and raise the revenue profile of the governments.
“Look at the Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransom-Kuti, and MKO Abiola statues looking unkempt.
“People that are passing don’t know that is Gani Fawehinmi or MKO Abiola. [eap_ad_1] “That area should have been converted to an active park where people will have cause to visit.
“They can build a small cubicle where they put the effects of Gani Fawehinmi, the books written by Gani Fawehinmi; and so also that of MKO Abiola.
“And put it there where somebody will be managing the place; where snacks, drinks, foods, and weekend entertainments for the people that are there, singers, drama, stage, film can be shown at intervals.”
According to him, past Nigerian leaders, who travelled abroad have seen these things – park for Thomas Jefferson, Bill Clinton – but have never bothered to replicate them in Nigeria.
Ogundano expressed regret that most parks and gardens in the country had been abandoned, thus making them “a den for armed robbers, who attack people, snatch bags, and rape women“.
He added that, if effectively harnessed, the parks could create jobs for many Nigerians.
He therefore urged the state governments to emulate the examples of the developed countries and explore other areas to make the parks viable. (NAN)
[eap_ad_4]
banker of the day - FREE banker tips from experts