Cultural Tourism Engagement To Unite Nigeria, Cyprus

THE inauguration of the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) in Cyprus may have opened new vistas of opportunity for both Nigeria and Cyprus in the area of culture and tourism.

OPU, an association concerned with the activation of Yoruba socio-cultural renaissance worldwide and the promotion of tourism assets of the Yoruba nation, has embarked on the mission to sensitise the Yoruba in all walks of life of the need to embrace their culture and customs.

In a visit to Cyprus recently, the OPU leader, Otunba Gani Adams inaugurated a branch of the social-cultural organization and drew the attention of the Cyprus authorities to the gains it can share with Nigeria.

OPU leader who was in North Cyprus with a delegate of members of OPU including Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, HRM Oba Yisa Olanipekun; the Olu of Igbore, HRM Oba Adeogun Ogunbona; CEO, Intl. School of Aviation, Capt. Olatokunbo Adesina and Prince Segun Akanni called the attention of the Mayor of Famagusta, Mr. Ismail Arter to two key areas where Cyprus and Nigeria could engage in mutually beneficial enterprise and relationship.

“I have noticed that North Cyprus is a heaven of tourism and agriculture.  There are a lot of engagements which both Nigeria and Cyprus can gain from each other if these two sectors are looked into. Our cooperation in this area will go a long way to quicken the relationship between the two countries.”

  In his response, Mr. Arter said the visitation by the OPC leader has opened a new vista in the relationship between Nigeria and |Cyprus. He applauded the leadership role of Otunba Adams, commending him for being the first Nigerian to visit him in office with discussion around economic and cultural cooperation. He said the two countries can share experience on agriculture and tourism being the areas of comparative advantage for the two countries.

“I thank you for your observation on areas of cooperation between Nigeria and Cyprus. Your visit has again rekindled our interest and passion about Nigeria. We appreciate your efforts and commend your altruistic cultural – tourism promotion of your race and your   strides to add value to the image of your country. Although Nigerian students have cut short the long distance between Nigeria and Cyprus but your step and acts   now has expanded the border of this relationship which we are going to improve upon.” 

Mr. Arter revealed that his municipality was ready to share knowledge, expertise and technical knowhow with any Nigerian or state governments wishing to relate with Cyprus on Tourism and Agriculture. “There are a lot for Nigerians to explore here and we are ready to assist and facilitate investment opportunities in a symbiotic situation relationship.”

The mayor told the delegation from Nigeria about a scholarship scheme which the government has inaugurated for the Nigerian students.  “We are happy to inform you that we are very close with Nigerian students here and we see them as an integral part of the municipality.””

In closing, Otunba Adams presented a copy of his biography and written documents on vision of OPU and its activities to Mr Arter.

He also   formally introduced OPU Coordinator for the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Mr. Segun George whose Executive Council was inaugurated in the previous day.

He cautioned the Yoruba in EMU North Cyprus to see themselves as the light of the Yoruba race.