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By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
A leading House of Representatives aspirant for the Oredo federal constituency, Osaro Onaiwu (Jnr) has given clarifications why culture and tourism forms an integral part of his manifestoes
Onaiwu (Jnr) noted that the inclusion of culture and tourism as a central theme of his campaign is deliberate, adding they are part of the core values of the people.
According to the budding aspirant, he chose to deviate from the usual practices of politicians who make outlandish promises in their manifesto.
The aspirant who is quite hopeful of clinching the PDP ticket for the Oredo federal constituency, said the inclusion of culture as a manifesto may appear ambiguous, it is nonetheless potential money-spinners if properly harnessed by both the state and local councils.
He said, “To promote culture and tourism as proposed, my goal is to integrate all the major players in the industry to create a value chain which can harness and deliver prosperity to stakeholders.
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” Given our historical fact and the creativity of our people, Oredo is blessed with creative minds and rich culture which if properly harnessed can easily lead to the replication and even improvements on those priceless artefacts stolen by the white men during the invasion of Benin kingdom”.
Buttressing his claim, he cited the case of Benin city, saying it is dotted with so many UNESCO sites and listed the palace of the Oba of Benin as well as Igun street, etc., adding it is difficult to quantify the amount of revenue, and in foreign currency for that matter, from visitors and others who come to behold the magnificence behind the arts and other historical works of Igun street.
He also queried why the emphasis have been to repatriate what was stolen instead of encouraging the creative and gifted to create new arts forms, either by digital or physical means.
With particular reference to the influx of foreigners into the country, the majority of them not on business visits but to receive healings and miracles from the late Pastor T. B. Joshua, Onaiwu (Jr) pointed out the huge tourism potential, stating that if an individual can attract as much what then stops a state or local government from doing the same.
He submitted that all the while the emphasis has been on the wrong priorities, stressing Oredo is endowed with so many historical places, exotic artefacts and a rich cultural diversity which needs to be exploited to deliver more prosperity to the people
