The Nigerian Tourist Board, NTB, is to prepare the final resting place of Chief Obafemi Awolowo for tourism as soon as the board gets the go-ahead from the federal government, the director-general of NTB Alhaji Garba Gumel has said.
This will bring to six the number of burial places of important figures used as tourist centres throughout the country.
Authoritative but unofficial sources at the NTB told The Republic that ini view of Chief Awolowo’s contributions to the struggle for Nigeria’s independence, education and health all of which are acclaimed worldwide his resting place will serve as an area of interest to people visiting Nigeria.
However, he feared that the problem that may arise from the venture is a situation where the burial place may be taken as a private property.
An authority in tourism who pleaded anonymity equally highlighted the problem noting that it wuld have been easier if Awolowo had been buried outside his personal compound.
He further added that apart from Awolowo’s enviable stature even at death, the town of Ikenne represents a typical Nigerian town foreign tourists would like to visit. He therefore suggested that an event of Awolowo’s tomb being designated for tourism would mean the modernisation of hotels around Ikenne. The Trade Minister however could not be reached before going to press.
However, Chief Awolowo had wished shortly before he did that some parts of his residence be open to public. He also wished that parts of the residence be designated for the Anglican Church and part to Ogun State University.
It is not clear what he wished to clear what he wished of the present place his tomb is situated.
