By_ Babatunde Kaka
France ambassador to Nigeria, Jerome Pasquire, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the ancient Ilara kingdom in Epe to strengthen bilateral ties between both countries and hash out plans to further develop the immense tourism potentials of the division.
The Diplomat and his entourage after arriving at the palace.
As gathered by Eko Hot Blog, the visit, which was tailored at turning the famous UNESCO world heritage site, Sungbo Eredo, into a world-class tourism hub, took place on Wednesday 30th June 2021 at the royal palace of the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Telade IV.
The project is being carried out in conjunction with educational institutions such as Obafemi Awolowo University OAU, University of Ibadan (UI) and St. Augustine University, Ilara (AUI).
Prominent personalities in attendance at the gathering include Hon Adeniyi Saliu, Eredo LCDA Chairman, Olori Bolanle Ogunsanwo, the Queen of Ilara Kingdom, Prince Segun Osifeko, Chairman Eredo LCDA Tourism Development Committee, Dr Taiwo Olufemi Salaam, former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transport, Local Government and Community Affairs,
Others are, High Chief Badru, the Seriki of Epe Kingdom, and High Chief Charles Keshinro, the Odofin of Ilara, as well as members of the Alara-in-Council, Baales and Chiefs and other tourism enthusiasts.
In his short address, Ambassador Jerome regretted that the COVID-19 pandemic had prevented him from visiting a year ago, as planned. He expressed his fascination for the archaeological projects in Eredo LCDA, which, according to him, informed his visit.
“My President, Emmanuel Macron has a strong interest in Nigeria and he received several businessmen some days ago from Nigeria and he wants to push for more projects. And this is the instruction we have at the embassy to give job creation. Agriculture is one of the priorities, we know how important it is for Nigeria.”
Mr Jerome, the Ambassador of France to Nigeria signing the palace register while his hosts look on..
“We really consider agriculture as important and we the French people have a good knowledge of agriculture, even tropical agriculture.”
“We are ready to work with you on any project, any request, any demand, we shall be happy and proud to accommodate you,” he said.
Prince Segun Osifeko making his closing remarks.
He thanked Oba Ogunsanwo for the warm reception and hospitality, noting that his government has the utmost respect for traditional institutions, particularly in view of its role in preserving culture.
Reacting, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, appreciated the diplomat for creating time out of his busy schedule to visit the ancient kingdom of Ilara. His Majesty described the visit as “historic and unprecedented in the annals of our history”.
Oba Ogunsanwo highlighted the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and France, noting that France has the largest trade relationship with Nigeria in Sub-Saharan Africa, despite being an anglophone country.
Alara also lauded the French Government, who, according to him, was the first country to invest in the Sungbo-Eredo monument project as far back as 2015 before the United States (US).
His Royal Majesty noted that the efforts of France and the United States are to make sure the monument is preserved and accredited as one of the United Nations (UN) world heritage sites.
“For us here, the significance of that is that we will have a world-class tourist centre that the monument would be the largest in Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa by extension. The pandemic has made it important for us to develop our tourist centres,” Alara said.
The Alaraof Ilara, Mr Jerome Paquier, the Alara-in-Council, Baales and Chiefs.
Prince Segun Osifeko, Prince Charles Keshinro, Mr Jerome Pequier, HRM Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Olori Bolanle Ogunsanwo and Engineer Ibrahim.
Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, while thanking Professor Gerard, Professor Ogunsola and other members of the team working on the project for their dedication and resilience, seized the opportunity to request French companies to invest in other sectors of the community’s economy. He also enjoined the French Government to extend its hands of fellowship towards brilliant students for academic scholarship consideration.
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Oba Ogunsanwo thereafter presented the diplomat with a portrait artwork that symbolises the three occupations of the Ilara indigenes; fishing, farming and hunting.
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