Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Abiodun Ojo, on Tuesday warned tourists visiting the state’s various sites to refrain from acts that could desecrate them.

He gave the warning in Osogbo, the state capital, while unveiling activities for the maiden week-long Osun extravaganza and mega expo.

Ojo, who emphasised the need for visitors to pay for services offered by tourist sites, said the revenue generated would be handy for maintaining facilities for holidaymakers.

He, however, invited tourism operators, hospitality brands, travel agencies, cultural institutions, tech innovators, and creatives from across the continent to the expo, explaining that events such as drawing, painting, dance and fashion competitions, debate contests, cycling tourism challenges, historical tours of the state, corporate business presentations, and cuisine training, among others, would feature during the cultural funfair.

Ojo also contended that the events were specifically tailored to meet the expectations of various participants, pointing out that many of those who would attend the events were also expected to witness the grand finale of the annual Osun-Osogbo cultural festival.

He stated, “We are doing our best. If you visit our tourist sites across the state, you’ll see that we are making progress. I know people are coming from Lagos and other places to enjoy our hospitality in Osun. That is why we are working hard to provide for basic needs in all these sites.

“But please, encourage us too. Encourage the government to do more, and you will do that by paying for the services you enjoy on our sites. Whenever you go there, please pay. When you go there, don’t desecrate the sites. Don’t go and do things that are not hygienic there. It is our collective project and responsibility to keep the sites in good condition,” Ojo remarked.