The Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige has decried the poor state of facilities at the Oyo State Cultural Centre, Mokola, Ibadan.
Hon. Ige who was on an assessment tour of the cultural heritage lamented the level of decay and negligence by the past administrations.
The cultural centre, which was established in 1977 by the Federal government is a platform for the promotion of cultural heritage and arts. It is also a tourist centre of note with functional halls, art gallery, cinema and other facilities.
The centre which is being managed by Oyo State government is not in good shape as most of the facilities are already ageing, the roof is leaking and none of the 46 toilets is functioning. Meanwhile, activities of the vandals are not helpful as many of the useful materials have been carted away leaving the place desolate.
Apart from the poor condition of the building, the bushy environment gives room for reptiles and all form of predators to grow and make the place a dangerous zone for people.
Mr Agboola Adekunle, Director, Theatre and Business Management while speaking with journalists said it is unfortunate that the heritage site is not functioning to its capacity, adding that “nothing is happening here. This is a place that is supposed to be generating funds for the state but it is abandoned.”
Also, the General Manager, Mrs Adeniji while conducting the Special Adviser round the site said: “In the last eight years, nothing has happened here. It was this government that gave fund to participate in NAFEST in Edo State and to do other things. We have written a letter to the governor just like we have been doing and Engineer Makinde assured us that the projects are in the second phase of the PPP. We are hopeful.
“We know, the cost of fixing this place is huge but we can start gradually. We believe that with that we can start enjoying patronage and generate revenue for the state.”
Hon Ige, who emphasised that the state governor is not impressed with the level of decay and has listed it among the projects for PPP, revealed that investors have been coming in.
He expressed optimism that very soon there will be serious transformation and you will all be happy.
