Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, Executive Director, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), has charged government to prioritise tourism infrastructure to attract inbound tourists into the country.

Oyeweso, a renown historian, gave the charge at a colloquium organised to mark Olori Francis Meshioye’s 60th birthday celebration in Lagos on Thursday.

The renowned scholar from Osun State University urged government to get its priority right by putting in place necessary infrastructure for the development of tourism in the country.

Oyeweso also urged government to promote, support and develop the country’s national festivals to attract local and foreign tourists for economic growth.

Also speaking, Prof. Muyiwa Falaye, Director, Institute for African and Diaspora Studies, University of Lagos, urged Nigerians to tell the story of Nigeria properly wherever they are in any part of the world.

He said: “No one can tell your story better than you do, therefore, tell a story that would bring development to the nation.”

According to him, films and documentaries are very significant in propagating Nigeria’s culture and traditions.

“Anybody that lost his or her language and culture has lost his social identity.

“Culture is significant to the promotion of a nation’s economy and its well-being.

“Parents should communicate in local dialect with their children at home, teach them our culture and traditions; this will help to value and appreciate our own culture than westernisation, ” he said.

In his contribution, Prof. Oye Oguntola-Laguda from Lagos State University, Ojo, said that religion was a pivotal to national development, if properly regulated in the country.

“Religion is a thing of the mind and individual beliefs. Say no to religious war/bigotry and tribalism in Nigeria,” Oguntola-Laguda said.

Earlier, Olori Francis Meshioye, the celebrator, appreciated the dignitaries present and called for sustainable development goal initiatives for the betterment of the country.

Meshioye advised the government to look into culture as a means of diversification for the sustainability of the country.

“Nigeria is endowed with enormous culture that can be used to sustain the country.

“The government needs to get it’s priority right and invest in the rich cultural values for national development,” he said.

Meshioye said that culture could be a catalyst for economic development, If properly harnessed.(NAN).