The Aarekakanfo of Yoruba land, Oba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, Monday, urged traditional rulers and educational institutions across the country to come together and promote culture and languages.

He said there must be stronger relationship among the critical sectors of the society so as to promote tourism and economic development.

Speaking at the Odo Erelu Festival 2023 in Meiran, Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos, he said, “What we are doing here today is to project the cultural identity of our race. Interestingly, Odo- Erelu Festival is a major festival in Meiran town.

“That is why we have been able to sustain the cultural promotion activities for over two decades.

“I am using this opportunity to appeal to our traditional rulers, to try as much as they could, to promote the various festivals in their kingdoms.

“Apart from celebrating festivals as a major tourism and economic booster, it also has many spiritual advantages.”

Adams said there are more than 1001 cultural festivals that are being celebrated all over the world.

He added that, “Today, cultural tourism has added a new vista of hope and development to the world. Tourism has also helped in building strong ties, business networks, global growth and development among all countries of the world.”

The founder of the Oodua People’s Congress, said one of the best ways to define a people is to know and understand their culture and tradition, adding that the biggest festivals in the world is the Kumbh Mela festival in India.