12-month blackout ruins tourism business in Ikare

I am not from Ikare but I am passionate about the  Ikarepeople and their arts and culture. The arts and culture, if properly harnessed, can save the economy from recession. It takes those in the dark to see the light.

Ikare is one of the best towns in South West Nigeria. It is well known for commerce, culture and education. The Ikare Royal House is of first class traditional orientations, rich cultural uniqueness and superb musical lyrics.  Out of the various festivals inIkare, the new yam festival stands out, especially in the exhibitionistic display ofIkare riches and the celebration of cultural values. No wonder then that countless tourists storm Ikare in June every year.

The Aringiya festival is a tourist attraction. This festival is dedicated to virgins; it is for the celebration of pureness,  respect for the female gender and pride in African values.  The cassava inIkare is different from that of other places in Western Africa, the gari tells it all.  What about the decorative pottery? The pottery probably has no match in the whole of Africa. And craving and weaving cannot be left out.

Questions about the growth and development of these tourism assets give nightmares to lovers of African development.  What is holding Ikare back from development? Why is Ikare not a famous tourism site? Why is Ikare not developing? In the face of the immense contributions of some  indigenes ofIkare, why is Ikare not yet a force to reckon with in Nigeria?

I know for sure that electricity plays an important factor in the development of any society. This is what Ikare lacks.  Is there a deliberate decision by some powerful forces in the government of Ondo to render Ikare weak? From an economic point of view, maybe some business titans are benefitting from the darkness inIkare.

On a tour ofIkare, I discovered that the lack of electricity has made life miserable for the common people. The social life of the Ikarepeople is doomed because clubs, bars and hotels are having difficulties delivering perfect hospitality and entertainment, due to the lack of electricity. They are seriously complaining about the extra costs they spend to power their businesses. The customers are not left out; it is a big problem to have chilled drinks and play music for relaxation and fun.

This was not the situation in those days.  The power problem has affected the totality of the existence of the Ikarepeople. Economically, there is an increase in the cost of production with the absence of electricity which does not encourage firms and industries to stay inIkare.

In the face of the hardships, we still find outstanding hotels and clubs inIkare, such as Rockyson International Hotel, Bolinton Hotel and Otolomi, among others.

The tears are flowing down from the eyes of the concerned indigenes  ofIkare. The government is yet to take a decisive move to alleviate their suffering. Just one person with a positive decision can bring back Ikare from the abyss of darkness.

Ikare, a convergent location for many ethnic groups, is in darkness. What a pity!