Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Abiodun Ojo, has revealed that about 2,000 participants are expected at the first-ever Osun Extravaganza and Mega Expo.
Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo on Tuesday, Ojo said the projection was based on the influx of visitors expected for the grand finale of the Osun-Osogbo Festival, which will take place a day after the two-day expo. He explained that the state government was ramping up awareness campaigns to ensure strong participation and visibility for the cultural showcase.
“It is expected that participants will take advantage of the expo to also attend the grand finale of the Osun-Osogbo Festival on 8 August. The expo is scheduled to take place from 6 to 7 August,” he stated.
Ojo outlined activities lined up for the two-day event. The opening day will feature the Osun Cycling Tourism Challenge and Youth Tourism Challenge. The second day will focus on a historical tour of Osun, corporate business presentations, networking sessions, and cultural performances culminating in an award night.
He described the Extravaganza and Mega Expo as a premier platform connecting indigenous communities, industry leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tourism professionals from across Nigeria and Africa. “Set to display the rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty of Osun State, this expo will redefine the future of tourism in our region. As global trends shift towards sustainable tourism, authentic cultural experiences, and innovative travel solutions, we believe the time is now to position Nigeria and Osun at the heart of Africa’s tourism renaissance,” he said.
The commissioner stressed the importance of partnerships with individuals and corporate bodies to unlock the state’s tourism potential. “Tourism is not a one-man show. We invite tourism operators, hospitality brands, travel agencies, cultural institutions, tech innovators, and creatives from across the continent to join us as we spotlight Osun’s tourism potential and work together to build a more inclusive, vibrant, and globally competitive tourism industry,” Ojo added.
The maiden Osun Extravaganza and Mega Expo will run during the week of the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival, a move the commissioner described as a carefully planned strategy by the state government.
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