Once upon a time, Ibadan cultural center was a place everyone will like to visit everyday as the tourist attractions can never be over-emphasized.
The gallery, sitting arrangement, art works are some of the things that normally attract me during my secondary school days as my school shares same land mark with the center. It’s location in Mokola Hill makes it easily accessible for visitors coming from far and near.
For decades, the Oyo State Cultural Centre was the choiced location for governments’ functions, prominent artistes and exhibitionists. In the early 1980s and late 1990s, stage performers also depend solely on this center. The centre according to history was designed by renowned Architect, Professor Demas Nwoko, it was built in 1977 on Mokola hills which is one of the seven beautiful hills that make up the old Ibadanland.
How can we forget the historical event that took place in the center in 1977?
FESTAC ’77 was a memorable event which is a story for another time. The vision is to bring foreign visitors and artistes within and outside the country together to showcase what the ancient town is capable of doing in art world and to bring opportunities to those who are major stakeholders in the sector.
I can’t agree more that the place is capable of generating huge internal revenue for the state if earnest exceptionally. The centre can also serve as incubation center for brooding ideas and also sharpening ideas in upcoming artists, local commentators and musicians etc.
The wide parking space within its premises that is primarily meant for visitors and tourists cars has long been turned to various sections where liquor is sold and other social vices perpetuated.
Interestingly, people’s appetite for cinemals has increased drastically hence the description of the center as low hanging fruit. Why spending much on private cinemals when I am sure we can get same service in government owned center with other benefits. People can even decide to go for sight seeing since the center is located on a hill which can avail one opportunity to see major part of the city with ease.
As a young chap, I can remember how my uncle with passion engaged me on holidays in his products marketing in the center. No doubt, there will be vast job opportunities once the center is rejuvenated and begin activities.
It is important to advise his Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde to charge the present Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism to as a matter of urgency rejuvenate the center which is presently in state of comatose and total collapse.
Attached with this write-up are pictures of the center which is now totally defaced with all sorts of unwanted elements.
“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, another best time is now” another best time to make Oyo state cultural center work again is now.
While am trusting his Excellency on total consideration of this wake up call, let me also advise that expertise should be engaged to avoid counterproductivity. Privatization is not a bad idea too.
Deji Ola,
eletiko@gmail.com
From Ibadan
