Ile-Ife, the ancestral home of over 100 million Yoruba descendants all over the world, is set to be transformed into a global tourist hub.
Under the initiative, Ile-Ife is expected to be transformed into a World Heritage City with the rebuilding of over 200 historical and archaeological sites in the ancient city.
The promoters of the project led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II and an international business conglomerate, Almajdal Limited said the project involves the transformation of Ile-Ife into the biggest tourist destination in Africa.
ALMAJDAL is an international construction concern with branches in Africa, Europe and Asia.
The group is working with Tropical Green City Foundatìon, an environmental friendly group.
A statement by the Executive Director of ALMAJDAL, Wail Kutrub said on completion, the project will stir immense wealth and job creation and an economic bang while millions of tourists are expected to look up to an amazing visit to the ancient city.
In the statement, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi was quoted as saying, the “project involves re-construction and beautification of ancient sites, city parks, new boulevards, greenery of the city centers, redesign of the city main boulevard, outskirts and other legacy projects in line with the idea to create the necessary impetus for Ile-Ife and Yoruba cultural renaissance.”
The Ooni is currently in California where he has been meeting with potential investors including stakeholders in the famous Sicilcon Valley.
On his part, Kutrub said, “We are set for a legacy project that will uplift one of the oldest cities in the world and put it on the global tourist map. It involves rebuilding the over 200 historical and archeological sites dating back to the 8th century, construction of the Yoruba Museum of Natural History, and the Yoruba Ancient War Museum, the rebuilding of the burial place of Oduduwa, the first Ooni of Ife who died around late 9thCentury, the Garden of Saints for late Oonis, the provision of gardens, botanical gardens and fountains across the city. No fewer than 1 million trees of different species will be planted at Ife alone.”
