It was tribute all the way
for the late Barrister Deji Falae, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in the
state at the just concluded Mare Festival, as the state governor, Dr Olusegun
Mimiko, the Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Commission (NTDC),
Mrs Sally Mbanefo, Nollywood stars, and other stakeholders in the tourism
industry paid a glowing tribute to the late commissioner.
The low keyed 5th mountain
climbing festival which celebrates the people and culture of Ondo State with
the theme, “Endless Oppurtunities”, was organized to celebrate the life
and time of the young and hardworking legal luminary and the former local
chairman organizing committee of the festival for two years consecutively as
the commissioner.
The State Governor Dr
Olusegun Mimiko , acknowledged the contributions of the late commissioner to
the growth and development of culture and tourism in the state while alive. He
said that, “this year Mare is in memory of a diligent, responsible and creative
young man who was a veritable tourism ambassador who passed on in October. Our
prayer is that his effort would not be in vain and that the tempo he left
behind would be sustained and ultimately surpassed. May his gentle soul rest in
perfect peace and may Almighty God Uphold the entire family he left
behind”.
Speaking on the
theme, the governor in his address read by the Deputy Governor Alhaji Ali
Olanusi said, “the theme of this year Mare, Endless Opportunities is carefully
chosen to expose the people of Idanre and its environs and by
extension the entire citizens of Ondo state to the fact that tourism has
occupied a very large space in the world economy. It is now a veritable sector
that may boost the internally generated revenue of governments and strengthen
the per capital income of individual players in the sector. It can also project
the friendly and hospitable culture of our people”.
The governor used the
occasion to highlight the numerous achievements of his administration in the
tourism sector while also highlighting the uniqueness of Mare 2013,
“the 2013 edition of Mare is also unique in the sense that for the first time
in the history of Mare Festival the community participation is encouraged. The
various quarters within Idanre community showcased their rich
cultural heritage and skills in the mountain climbing and Marathon.”
He however assured
that subsequent Mare will be in a bigger form with more innovations
and activities that will attract more economic benefit and
development to the people of Idanre and Ondo State.
The Special Guest of Honor,
Mrs Sally Mbanefo the Director General of the Nigeria Tourism Development
Commission could not hide her joy in having a direct feel of the natural
culture and hospitality of the people of Idanre and Ondo state at large, no
wonder she stood severally to dance to traditional songs and beats which she
hardly understood, her dancing steps was admired by all people who also trooped
out to dance with " Oyinbo". The DG in her speech expresses her
love for the land, people and culture of Ondo state, "the people here are
accommodating and hospitable, in my interaction with them since I came around I
have discovered so many great things about the people of Ondo State. The
government of Dr Olusegun Mimiko has laid a solid foundation for the coming
generations, his government shows passion for the women, children and everybody
through the provision of basic amenities and infrastructure development across
the state, the medical facilities in the state is the best. I have been to some
and I observed that the friendly atmosphere and the favorable condition of
service of the medical personnel which go a long way on making them to be
patient friendly and committed to their work. The organized market system, the
good dual roads and so many things that I see in Ondo reinforced my belief in
Nigeria and i think this is the kind of projects every leader must emulate.
While speaking on Mare, Mrs
Mbanefo who clad in multi coloured Adire and
green, white, green Ofi head tie said, "when I went to Abeokuta to visit
the Olumo Rock, i marveled at what i saw there, not knowing that the real
Abeokuta is Idanre, the magnificent size and the arrangements of the
mountains are very unique and I think the government of Ondo state got it right
with the idea of attracting visitors here through Mare Festival, this is a good
development which I am proud to be part of this year”.
In her usual way of
promoting domestic tourism, Mrs Mbanefo called on the people of Ondo State to
see the need to corporate with the government in preserving and promoting that
natural endowments that can attracts tourist to their domain. “Idanre hill is a
tourism asset and i also know that there were several other asset in Ondo State
which we could work on”, She said.
She however calls for
collaboration between the NTDC and the Ondo State government in developing and
promoting tourist asset in the state.
While paying tribute to
Late Barrister Deji Falae, Mrs Mbanefo said, “Deji’s death was painful as i
hope to meet him at this year Mare. I met him for the first time in September
when we organized the first tourism stakeholder’s forum which he attended. From
his mien, he look nice and a humble fellow whose appearance depicts simplicity.
His death was a lost in the industry but we have consolation in God that knows
all. We are consoled by the fact that he lived a good life, left behind
outstanding legacies which I want to urge the government, family and friends to
continue. I pray that God should continue to console the family he left
behind.”
The State Commissioner for
Information Mr Kayode Akinmade said, "As we celebrate MARE 2013, we cannot
but remember Barrister Deji Falae who initiated plans for this year-MARE, as he
had done in the two previous editions, only to pass on in active service on 3rd
October 2013. Even when the artist ceases creating works (at their demise), the
ones they had made while alive would live for eternity. Deji Falae for two
robust years as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Ondo State immersed
himself in the MARE Project, drove it with all his will and wits and endeared
it to the hearts of lovers of tourism. The vision he held, the passion he
shared, and the energy he exerted would be the driving force for the Culture
and Tourism industry in Ondo State. For as long as MARE endures, so will the
ever sweet memories of Deji Falae linger in the hearts of Ondo people and the
annals of tourism and culture in Ondo State in particular and Nigeria at
large."
Speaking on the festival,
the Commissioner said, "Idanre Hills have come to be globally recognized
as a tourist haven. More important, the celebration of MARE festival has
redefined the hills of Idanre. The hills, you will agree with me, no longer
define the unique geography of Idanre people alone. With the celebration of
MARE, we now have a constellation and unification of cultures that make us the
proud people of Ondo State. For five years running now, MARE festival has
drawn international attention and acclamation. International climbers have
thronged Ondo State in search of these wonder hills of Idanre which are
compared to none around the world. No surprise then that the tourist potential
of Nigeria has received tremendous boost via MARE festival."
Guest artists including,
Paramount king of Fuji, Abass Akande Obesere, Abolore Akande popularly known as
9ice, Danny Young, Alariwo, ID Cabassa and many upcoming artists dazzled people
with music at the Olofin Grammar school during the grand finale.
Some of the youth who spoke
with Alarinkaagbaye.com were excited about the new dimension which Mare took
this year. Akindeji Amos, an Okada ride in his view said though the economic
activities is not robust as last year because of the nature of the event but
the involvement of local people in the programme boost peoples morale in
participating and we are hoping that next year will be better.
He explained further that
the marathon race and the mountain climbing was localised and people were
encourage and happy to be part of it, whatever comes out goes to the
local people and we love it.
Prizes were won by 3 people
who participated in the race on the mountain with each of them going home with
key prize. While a raffle draw with the star prize goes to Bose Akinrinlola, a
second timer participant who won a motorcycle. The second runner up won double
door thermo cool refrigerator while the third runner up won a freezer.
These year edition is no
doubt a success as the celebrations did not only attract tourist but also
Idanre hills and mountain stand the chance of having a torch of federal
government and private organisation through the Nigeria Tourism Development
Commission NTDC who promises to do something urgently that will attract people
to Idanre.
