By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural tourism as a central pillar of its development agenda, aimed at safeguarding the state’s culture, traditions, and value system while fostering economic advancement.
Commissioner for Communications, Hon Bola Olukoju, disclosed this during the Cultural Outing of Alaro Village at Okelele in Ilorin. The event was organised to preserve the community’s heritage through the promotion of Aso-Oke weaving, creating a platform to inspire young people, draw visitors, and bolster community pride.
Olukoju, represented by the Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply, Hajia Laraba Muhammad Yahaya, affirmed the government’s readiness to collaborate with Aso-Oke Weaving Enterprises to further promote cultural landmarks for tourism and economic benefits.
“Cultural tourism is a key pillar in the development agenda of the state government as it does not only preserve history but also opens doors to enterprise and sustainable growth,” she said.
She encouraged stakeholders to invest resources and cultivate passion for advancing cultural heritage, stressing that “together we can keep our culture alive while building a brighter future for our people.”
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, represented by the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr Usman Atolagbe Abubakar Jos, commended Hon Abdulwasiu Alaro Olasunkanmi for promoting the cultural legacy of Alaro Village. He urged young people to emulate such initiatives and avoid drug abuse.
Mrs Adenike Ramat Akanni, Secretary of the Tourism Board, praised Alaro Village for its dedication to heritage preservation. She encouraged the public to explore Kwara’s cultural and hospitality offerings, assuring that the board was ready to support visitors in discovering the state’s cultural wealth.
The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kwara State University Chapter, Prof Sheu Abdulganiyu Alaro, presented a detailed history of Aso-Oke, describing it as a traditional handwoven cloth known for its quality, resilience, and ceremonial value. He noted that its craftsmanship has been refined over the years.
Prof Alaro commended the organisers of the maiden Alaro Cultural Village outing and appealed to Nigerians to value their culture, stating: “It is through appreciating each other’s culture that we live in harmony as a community. Under no circumstance should a person abandon his culture.”
Event organiser and founder of Alaro Baba Aso-Oke Weaving Enterprises, Hon Abdulwasiu Alaro Olasunkanmi, emphasised that Aso-Oke weaving, pottery, and blacksmithing are longstanding traditions of the Alaro family. He explained that the outing was designed to spotlight these cultural practices and bring them greater recognition.
Guests were taken on a guided tour of Alaro Village, where they observed demonstrations of Aso-Oke weaving, Aso Sise (tie and dye), Agbede (blacksmithing), and Ikoko Mimo (pot moulding).
