CEO Ilaji Resort Receives Nigerian-Canadian Youth, Joel Olaniyi, Discusses Diaspora Collaboration On Culture, Tourism
A popular Nigerian-Canadian young man, Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye fondly called the Father of Culture, “Baba Asa” has stated his readiness to partner with the government of Oyo State on culture and tourism.
Olaniyi made his decision known during his visit to the Chief Executive Officer and Apesinola of Yoruba Land, ‘SIR’ Dotun Sanusi on the need to form a synergy for continued cultural promotion in the country and in the diaspora.
Olaniyi who said the Founder of Ilaji Hotels and Resorts, ‘SIR’ Dotun Sanusi is an appropriate example of a true culture promoter, following his foresight at sitting his business in a less urban community despite his exposure, noted that such a decision can only be developed by a man of culture, thus drawing him closer to his people for development.
Olaniyi “Baba Asa” added that his foundation in Canada has deemed it fit to award ‘SIR’ Dotun Sanusi an award of excellence during his October 25 to 27, 2023 ‘Asa Day’ holding in Winnipeg, Canada, as the event would draw several traditional leaders, especially from the Southwestern part of Nigeria, Oyo state lawmakers, and other state government stakeholders, which undoubtedly would add value to the image and economy of the state.
Joel Olaniyi stressed that the exhibition in the Museum would enable cultural values and artifacts from Oyo State to be displayed in Canada which, when the whites fall in love with them, could naturally bring them to the state for export, which would help to increase Oyo State’s internally generated revenue and convert the state into a major center of tourism in the country.
Meanwhile, Premier, Canadian Government, Stefanson Heather made a state-wide broadcast over the forthcoming “Asa Day” founded by Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye since 2018 with credible applause, which has helped to root Yoruba culture and community among the Mannitobans in Canada.
According to Stefanson, the Oro Town born youngster in Kwara State, Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye has added value to the development of Yoruba culture globally with an increase in its internally generated revenue, while the culture exhibition, founded by the Kwara State born young man, has added to its tourism tendencies.
Stefanson noted that the Oro Town born cannot be overlooked, as it is in its agenda to ensure everything to glue him to the country is provided for him, as since 2018 Winnipeg Yoruba Culture Day has begun, it has attracted several millions of tourists, with more expansion of Yoruba culture in Canada.
Speaking with pressmen, Joel Olaniyi stressed that his promotion of culture, especially Yoruba culture, has greatly connected him, adding that plenty of wealthy and influential white men have engaged him as a Yoruba ambassador and teacher and influenced his Yoruba Museum in Canada.
Olaniyi called on Nigerian youths to embrace their culture, while the government should focus on tourism, as the present governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced to do in his second term administration for a worthwhile economy boost usually when experienced and focused persons are engaged, saying he is open for partnership over tourism development with the Oyo State government led by Seyi Makinde.
In his reaction, Chairman and Founder, Ilaji Hotels & Resorts and ICAST, ‘SIR’ Dotun Sanusi commended the Nigerian-Canadian young Yoruba promoter, Joel Olayinka for the initiative and desire to showcase the Yoruba cultural heritage overseas, vowed to give him wholesome support for wider networking.
‘SIR’ Dotun Sanusi called on the state government to tap the tourism prowess of the Nigerian-Canadian Cultural Ambassador, which would equally help to hunt other youths talents, skills, and passion for development and as well source an increase in internally generated revenue.
Part of the members that joined ‘SIR’ Dotun Sanusi to host the Nigerian-Canadian Youth include a member of the Oyo State House Of Assembly, Hon Waheed Akintayo (Ilumoka Presenter), Representing Oluyole State Constituency, and Alhaji Waheed Adurodekun, leader, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ona Ara Local Government.
