IKORODU – The traditional ruler of Offin, near Ikorodu, Lagos, Mr Alimi Oluwaloseyi on Friday urged the Lagos State Government to build tourists’ centres to revive the community’s tourism potentials and boost development.
Oluwaloseyi made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
He said that the tourism potentials of the community were yet to be exploited.
NAN reports that Offin is an ancient coastal community in Ikorodu.
He said investments such as building tourism centres would attract visitors, revive the town’s social lifestyle, boost economic activities and ensure rapid transformation of the town into a tourist destination.
“This town lies on the banks of the Lagos Lagoon; it is a few kilometres from the Third Mainland Bridge which can be sighted from its coastline and this makes it very strategic.
“So, we have a serene coastline where relaxation centres can be built to accommodate visitors by our peace-loving and friendly people.
“In fact, we have reserved more than one acre of land for the construction of a tourism centre but we require funds to do this.
“So, having relaxation spots on this shoreline could attract people from other parts of Lagos State to relax and engage in other recreational activities.
“We need the support of the state government so that we can take advantage of the coastline and its nearness to the Lagos Lagoon, ‘’ Oluwaloseyi said.
The traditional ruler said plans were ongoing to revive the age-long ‘Reri Festival’, a yearly boat regatta, to boost tourism and improve patronage for allied businesses.
“The festival also involves the display of tens of colourful boats used for competition.
“Also, there is usually a lot of funfair – dancing, drumming, and singing during that period,’’ he said.
“It used to be a yearly event but sadly, has not been organised in the last 30 years.
He urged the state government to build standard jetties along the coastlines.
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“The one (jetty) we currently have cannot support the kind of tourist activities we envisage for the town.
“It would improve the boat activities and ease transportation, the traditional ruler said.
NAN reports that the only jetty in the community built many years is in a state of disrepair and its protective metals had been replaced with bamboos.
NAN also reports that the jetty’s concrete slabs were dilapidated. (NAN)
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