Governor Aiyedatiwa supports T.B. Joshua tourism monument in Arigidi-Akoko, aiming to boost religious tourism and attract global visitors to Ondo State

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has expressed readiness to support the T.B. Joshua tourism monument project to honour the late cleric and boost religious tourism.

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He revealed this when members of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) paid him a thank-you visit following their AGM and tour of tourist sites in the state.

Responding to questions on developing man-made attractions, Aiyedatiwa said Ondo was open to partnerships with investors and religious bodies to establish monuments, particularly in Arigidi-Akoko, the hometown of Prophet T.B. Joshua.

His words: “Talking about religious tourism… you mentioned Prophet T.B. Joshua in Arigidi-Akoko. He is not the only one. We also have the man who started the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, and another in my local government who founded the Zion Church.”

He added that while the church itself would need to facilitate such a project, the state could initiate conversations and encourage global followers of the late prophet to visit his hometown.

“All the members he has, the countries he visited and touched, they can begin to come and see,” he said.

The T.B. Joshua tourism monument proposal will be among the first assignments for the incoming commissioner for culture and tourism, according to the governor.

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Governor Aiyedatiwa affirmed that religious tourism can complement the state’s abundant natural attractions, and that honouring Prophet Joshua with a monument in Arigidi-Akoko is a vision worth pursuing.