La Campagne boss to head 151 villages in Cote d’ Ivoire
Nigerian Tribune
HONOUR and recognition have come for the President of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, in far away Cote d’Ivoire as he has been honoured with a chieftaincy title, which comes with responsibility of superintending over 151 villages in the region de Marahoue.
He was bestowed with the title of Chef Ole Tribu de Paouflor Izuerioula Region de Marahoue. This honour, which comes with great responsibility according to the people of the region is in recognition of his commitment to the development and promotion of the tourism industry with special reference to the promotion of African culture and tradition.
With this title, Akinboboye now rules over 151 villages in the region as the head and he is expected to bring his wealth of experience and resources in administering and ordering the affairs of the villages. To this end, a befitting palace has been built for him in the region through communal effort and he is expected to reside there whenever he visits the country to carry out his traditional duties.
His inauguration ceremony was held some months ago, but he couldn’t attend the ceremony due to the restriction on flight operations from Nigeria to Cote d’ Ivoire due to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), which then broke out in Nigeria.
However, two representatives of the paramount ruler of the region were in Nigeria recently to formally present the title and decorate him with the paraphernalia and symbol of the office. The event which took place at Idanre town turned out to be a communal feasting with the whole town and traditional rulers in attendance as well as the government of Ondo State.
In conferring the title on him, Dr Youan Tra Jerome who was accompanied and assisted by John Ajala at the event, described Akinboboye who is also the tourism ambassador of the World Conference of Mayors (WCM) as pragmatic, tourism icon, devoted promoter and investor in the preservation of African cultural heritage and traditions.
Jerome, who is also a chief back in his region, said it is an historic feat as this would be the first time that his region was bestowing such an honour and responsibility on someone from outside the region or country. He said Akinboboye is an inspiration to the people, especially the youth and expressed the hope that the honour would further boost his commitment to the continent and that his community looks to benefiting from his experience, wise counsel and resources in the days ahead.
In his response, Akinboboye expressed appreciation to the paramount ruler of the region and his people for the honour, describing it as recognition of his contributions to the development of the continent. The fact that it is coming from outside Nigeria, he said made it all the more special.
Akinboboye said he is elated by the symbolism of the honour, which he said represents a great leap in the development of the continent as it is a bridge between the Anglophone and Francophone regions of Africa, stressing that he hopes to further cement this relationship through his new office and continued commitment to African culture.
