Tunde Kolade is the Vice President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), South West Zone. The zone is set for its maiden Oodua Festival to be held in Osogbo, the Osun State capital. Kolade spoke to Africa Travel Herald on why the zone decided to organise the festival. Excerpts:

Why is FTAN South West embarking on the Oodua Festival?
You know FTAN has six Vice Presidents in the six geo-political zones. So, it is the duty of these Vice presidents to promote the tourist attractions and cultures of their zones to attract inbound tourists. That is why we are embarking on the project.
We also saw that the South West zone is rich in culture. There is this peculiarity about the Yoruba culture: it is not only rich, it is also flamboyant. The hospitality on the South West is top notch. We want people to know that there is a lot to showcase in Yoruba culture.
You’ve been the FTAN Vice President South West zone for almost three years I believe, what has the zone achieved in the last three years, and what are the things you intend to achieve?
Well, in the last three years, we have been able to promote our members businesses. We did so many things, we attended beach festivals in which all our members were invited. We were together when the Blue Rail was launched. We were together and collectively supported Lagos State Governor Sanwo Olu for second term in office based on his achievements. Also, we have tried to promote the tourist attraction of each state. We want to improve on that; we want to do more. That is what this programme is coming up.
There is going to be another programme coming up later this year in Ogun State. There is going to be a summit and exhibition at Ogun State later this year, apart from this Oodua festival.
What have been the challenges that FTAN South West zone has had?
The challenge is that we lack collaboration as FTAN, and we are preaching that. We need to collaborate; everybody is just doing their thing that why the government is not listening to us. You know, with collaboration we will be able to achieve more. That is the first challenge.
Another challenge is funding. You know, as FTAN, we are not given funds. There is no subvention anywhere. It is when we organize all these programmes that we can generate fund. These are the challenges.
Talking about the Oodua festival coming up in Osun State next month, what has been the level of corporation from the Osun State government?
After their endorsement, they have given us venue, accommodation for our guests. All the presidents of the associations, we are going to host them during the festival. They also made provision for logistics like transport that would move people from their hotel to the venue. So, they are partnering with us and everybody is working towards the success of the festival.
What are some the legacies that you want to leave behind when your tenure ends?
The Oodua Festival is one of the legacies. My tenure will expire next year, but I want this project to be my parting gift to FTAN South West. I want to be rememebered as somebody that has done his best. I want continuity in the South West, that is my legacy.