Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Ige Adams, has said that the redesigned new naira policy of the Federal Government and Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) is hurting Nigerians, including himself adversely, urging the CBN to pump more of the new naira notes into circulation.
Adams said he understands that part of the objectives of the policy is to mop up funds stashed away by some “establishments,” but noted that a situation where people could not access their money to buy food and other necessities was not good for the country.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland said more naira notes if made available at various dispensing points and across the counters would lessen the current suffering of Nigerians.
He however expressed the confidence that despite the biting hardship occasioned by the cash scarcity, the 2023 general elections will hold as scheduled.
The Chief promoter of Okuokun Festival Foundation spoke while fielding questions from newsmen on Friday at the Olumo Rock groove Ikija – Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the celebration of this year edition of Olumo/Lisabi Festival of the Egba people hosted by the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Okukenu 1V.
“I will appeal to the CBN Governor to pump more money out into circulation. I understand the policy is meant to recover a lot of funds that were being held by some establishments but that not withstanding, the policy has become more bitting, even me as one of the personalities in Nigeria, it is affecting us.
“So, I will appeal to the CBN Governor to bring more money into circulation so that people can have access to their money and end the pain and groaning we are facing now,” he said.
Speaking earlier on the Olumo / Lisabi festival, Gani Adams lauded former governor Gbenga Daniel for his innovation that brought Olumo to limelight but lamented that historical and cultural site is steadily losing its prominence.
He urged the incumbent governor Dapo Abiodun to improve on the facilities within Oluomo and make the place world’s tourist site.
He also lauded the Alake and other Egba monarchs for sustaining the Olumo – Lisabi cultural festival and making it one of the most celebrated cultural events in the state.
“One of the major achievements of former governor of Ogun state, Otunba Daniel was the way he brought life Olumo rock which has once been a tourist attraction in the state is now gradually loosing prominence.
“With its historical background and advantage for the Egba people, Olumo rock is supposed to be a special heritage and global tourism destination for tourists from all over the world.
“I was in Thailand last month and I saw how the government of the country create a special myth around Pattaya, a city on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast known for its beaches.
“Pattaya is a quiet fishing village that is lined with resort hotels, high-rise condos, shopping malls, cabaret bars and 24-hour clubs.
“Olumo rock can be the Pattaya of Nigeria because it is located at the centre of the town .
“That is another opportunity for tourists to access the place without any problem.
“There is need for governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state to unleash the tourism potentials of Olumo rock and breathe life into rock like his predecessor and make it the number one tourism destination in the state.
“If Olumo rock is given the necessary facelift,it will surely attract tourists from across the world to Ogun state and it will help in improving the state’s revenue and boost the economy of the state.”
