Announced by the Osun State Government is a significant effort to revamp various tourist destinations within the state, with a focus on the iconic Erin Ijesa waterfall, as part of its robust tourism strategy.
Speaking on Monday, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, addressed a recent viral video highlighting the unfavorable conditions at Erin Ijesa waterfall, emphasizing the necessity for improvements which have been lacking for decades under past administrations.
Highlighted in the video was a visitor expressing concerns about the unclean surroundings of the waterfall, urging immediate remedial actions to rectify the situation.
The commissioner mentioned that the proposed upgrade plan for tourism infrastructure includes sites such as the Osun groove, Owala inland beach resort in Olorunda local Government, Sango Timi Shrine in Ede Local Government, Ayunkunnugba waterfall in Oke-Ila Orangun in Ifedayo local Government, and various cultural heritage sites.
Addressing the current state of tourist sites in Osun, particularly Erin Ijesa waterfall, Alimi elaborated on directives from State Governor Ademola Adeleke to expedite ongoing restoration efforts at the site. This includes establishing a collaborative committee for the site’s management among other initiatives.
Alimi also revealed that the administration for the Erin-Ijesha waterfall site is currently overseen by the local Erin-Ijesha community, a deliberate move aimed at fostering local involvement and enhancing the region’s cultural and tourism sector.
“Under the guidance of Governor Ademola Adeleke, there has been a focused effort to elevate our cultural and tourism sites through a comprehensive agenda. The scheduled meeting will catalyze additional reforms to meet the expectations of both the local community and the tourism industry,” Alimi affirmed.