Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, holds immense cultural and economic potential. With proper investment, it could become a global tourism hub

Ile-Ife, the ancient cradle of Yoruba civilisation, is not just a historical city — it is a living museum of spiritual, cultural, and economic wealth waiting to be harnessed.

Known as the home of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race, and a sacred centre for the worship of Aje (wealth), Ile-Ife holds untold potential that could transform Nigeria’s economy through cultural and religious tourism.

In Yoruba tradition, wealth is more than material prosperity — it is a divine force. Aje, as the Yoruba call it, represents abundance, enterprise, and spiritual balance.

According to Ifa history, Aje was one of the deities that accompanied Oduduwa to Ile-Ife, where it remains a central force in the region’s cultural and economic life.

Every Monday, the Yoruba people dedicate the day to Aje, with processions led by the revered Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, from his palace to the Aje shrine.

One of the key figures preserving and promoting this heritage is Chief Toyin Kolade, the Iyalaje of the Source, whose tireless efforts have amplified the celebration of Aje and positioned Ile-Ife as the global spiritual headquarters of wealth.

Yet, despite its rich cultural significance and historical importance, Ile-Ife remains underdeveloped and overlooked in Nigeria’s economic strategy.

The town’s numerous heritage sites — including the Oduduwa Grove, the Opa Oranmiyan Shrine, and the Moremi Ajasoro Cemetery — possess the potential to attract millions of tourists annually.

Sites like Ita-Yemoo Shrine, Igbo Olokun, and Olokun Grove are also cultural treasures waiting to be properly preserved and showcased.

The Economic Potential of Cultural Tourism in Ile-Ife

Countries with fewer historical sites have built thriving economies around their heritage. Israel, with sites like the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, earns over $6 billion annually from religious tourism.

Saudi Arabia generates over $12 billion from pilgrimages alone, while Greece’s ancient sites like the Acropolis contribute to its $18 billion cultural tourism revenue.

Egypt’s pyramids and temples attracted millions of visitors, generating $13 billion in 2023.

If Nigeria invests in developing Ile-Ife’s historical and spiritual sites, the city could easily become a global tourism hub. Pilgrimages, cultural festivals, and academic excursions could transform the city into a major attraction, bringing in foreign exchange and boosting local businesses.

This would create thousands of jobs, improve infrastructure, and significantly increase Nigeria’s gross domestic product.

As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy, it must recognise the untapped wealth in Ile-Ife. President Bola Tinubu’s administration should prioritise investment in the city’s cultural heritage sites as part of the national economic diversification strategy.

Improved infrastructure, preservation efforts, and policies encouraging both local and international tourism would honour Nigeria’s rich history while securing future prosperity.

We also call on non-governmental organisations, private sector players, and international heritage foundations to extend their support to Ile-Ife.

Just as global corporations invest in preserving cultural sites across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Ile-Ife deserves global recognition and funding.

Aje is not just a deity — it is an opportunity. It’s time for Nigeria and the world to embrace it.