As part of the efforts of the State Government of Osun, to bring Yoruba cultural heritage sites to limelight and world standard, the State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has appreciated the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for recommending four of its sites as national monument and to become world heritage sites.
The Governor gave the commendation during the inspection to the tourist sites located in Ile-Ife which are: Quardrangle buildings which consist of about sixteen buildings inside Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife; Ifa Temple; Opa Oranmiyan Grove and Shrine as well as Olumirin Water Fall, Erin Ijesa.
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The team comprised of the Curator, National Museums Village, Ile-Ife, Mr Ogunmola Nathaniel, the Coordinating Director, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs Solabomi Akinsola, Executive Secretary, Council for Art and Culture, Mrs Solape Abolarin and other Management staff of the Ministry, including Council and Tourism Board among others.
Governor Adeleke, who spoke through the Coordinating Director of Culture and Tourism Ministry, Mrs Solabomi Akinsola said the people of the State appreciated the UNESCO for approving the sites as national monument.
She added that Osun residents will be more grateful if declared as World Heritage sites, with the promise that the State Government will do everything possible to ensure the sites meet up with the UNESCO standard.
He therefore assured the Commission that the State will not undermine the privilege given to her.
While speaking, the Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Adebayo Bamire appreciated UNESCO for recognizing the institution, while promising that the Institution will abide by the rules guiding the site to meet up with the standard.
In his own response, Mr Ogunmola Nathaniel, recalled that work had started on it since the year 2021, explaining that, there are procedures to be follow, like taking the measurement, photographs of the sites, and educating the custodians to preserve the naturality of the sites, including the structures.
In a similar development, the team proceeded to Ifa Temple, in company of Professor Adisa Ogunfolakan,who is the Director AG Laventis Museum of Natural History, who enjoined the Ifa priests to ensure they do not miss the great privilege given by the UNESCO.
In his speech, the Araba Awo of Ifa Temple, Aworeni Awodokun, who was represented by his Deputy, Awosetan Awotunde appreciated the team and the UNESCO for the opportunity bestowed on them, promising to obey all instructions so as not to miss the chance of the Temple becoming a world heritage site.
In the meantime, the team had also visited the Opa Oranmiyan Grove and shrine in Ile-Ife.
