Massachusetts Institute students discover rich cultural heritage of Oyo State

Stanley Ihedigbo

Group of students from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States recently embarked on a cultural tour of Oyo State, Nigeria, where they immersed themselves in the state’s rich cultural heritage.

The students, who were on a mission to explore the diversity of Nigerian culture, were warmly received by the Oyo State government and community leaders.

During their tour, they visited historic sites, attended cultural performances, and engaged with local artisans, gaining valuable insights into the state’s customs, traditions, and ways of life.

According to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Oyo State, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, received the visiting students, introducing them to Oyo State’s rich cultural heritage, including its numerous festivals and historical landmarks.

He highlighted that the state boasts of about 180 tourist sites for visitors to explore.

Dr. Olatunbosun also mentioned the state’s recent policy promoting cultural identity by encouraging the wearing of native attire, particularly Aso-Oke, every Thursday.

“This initiative aims to boost local businesses and preserve the Yoruba tradition. Among the key sites the students planned to visit was Bower’s Tower in Ibadan, a historic monument with 60 spiral steps that offers a panoramic view of the city”, he said.

“Oyo State is known for its hospitality, and under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the state continues to create a conducive environment for tourism through improved security, infrastructure, and governance,” he said.

Mrs. Adefemi Faponda, a Nigerian and representative of the institution, who led the group on the tour expressed her appreciation for the warm reception and emphasized the importance of tourism in fostering cross-cultural interactions and economic collaborations.

“The experience has been amazing, and we believe there is more to explore. Many tourists often focus on Lagos and Abuja, but Nigeria has 36 states with unique cultures and histories that deserve global attention,” she said.

Faponda explained that the visit to Ibadan gave her colleagues a firsthand experience of life in Nigeria and opened up discussions on potential collaborations. She commended the Oyo State Government’s effort in improving infrastructure and urged continued investment in tourism.

“If people don’t see what your state has to offer, how will they collaborate? I hope this visit inspires other universities worldwide to bring students to Nigeria, especially to Oyo State, which has great potential for development,” she added.

Another MIT student, Mr. Kike from Peru, expressed his excitement about the trip. He described the warm reception they received as heartwarming and noted that this was his first time in Nigeria and second visit to Africa.

“The hospitality here has been incredible. We felt safe and had everything we needed as we toured the city. This experience has been unforgettable, and I would love to visit again,” he said.

The visit marks another step in the Oyo State government’s efforts to promote tourism and cultural exchange on a global scale.