Erin-Ijesa Community recently played host to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) where a meeting of stake-holders on Erin-Ijesa waterfalls was held.

The Erin-Ijesa waterfalls situated in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State was discovered by Akinla the daughter of Oduduwa in about 1140 AD as a mysterious creation of Olodumare. In his address, the Director-General, Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman disclosed that NCMM intends to elevate the waterfalls to a National Heritage Site due to its unique value and captivating features.

The Director-General represented by the Director of Administration and Supplies, Barr. O. A. S. Alasan stated that the Federal Government is reputed for the management of all National Heritage Sites and the NCMM is ready to make her presence felt on the site.

Mallam Abdallah noted that the Federal Government alone can not undertake the management of the site but must involve the local and state governments to improve the heritage sites. The Director-General noted that if all hands are on deck, the community will benefit immensely, economically and will witness the influx of tourists.

He appealed to the people of the community to cooperate with government at all levels to develop the sites for posterity.

The Regent of Erin-Ijesa, HRH Adeola Adeosun who spoke through Chief Ayodele Ajayi pledged the support and cooperation of the community to the NCMM, for the upliftment of the heritage sites as it will go a long way to improving the standard of living of the people, this according to him will attract more tourists from within and outside the shores of the nation.

Earlier, the Director of Heritage Monuments and Sites, Mr. Oluremi Adedayo informed the meeting that a management committee will be constituted to specify the roles of all the stakeholders so as to facilitate the desired development.

In a vote of thanks, a Deputy Director in the Department of Heritage, Monuments and Sites Dr. Debo Areo thanked the people for their reception and prayed for better things to come for the community. SOme of the personalities present were Dr. Musa Hambolu, Director of Research, Planning and Publications, Prof. Barth Chukwuezi, Director Educational Services and Training, Ms. Victoria Osuagwu, Assistant Director, Department of Heritage, Monuments and Sites. Others are Mr. Josiah Ozoma, Chief Monuments Officer, Department of Heritage, Monuments and Sites, Mr. Alafiatayo Oladipo, Chief Monument Officer.