Cultural heritage: an urban memoir towards Idanre city prosperity

Abstract

The present tasks facing most of the cities in Nigeria is over reliance on crude oil. The task ahead is to ensure cities function properly and cater for its inhabitants adequately. Several efforts to diversify and develop other sectors of the economy over the last two decades yielded little result. The crash in global crude oil economy is compelling Nigerian cities to explore alternative source of income. At this crucial time, a closer look at creative industry to leverage on heritage resources is being explored. The paper examines precious Idanre heritage as a developmental tool towards urban prosperity. Idanre is a relatively small and historic town in Ondo State situated at the foot of scenic Idanre hills with unique cultural heritage and propensity to attract diverse tourist locally and internationally. The study adopts qualitative research approach through purposive interview and focus group discussion. Community participation will permit inclusive planning for the city. This research findings include 1350AD ancient palace on the hill: unique Orogho, Usalu and Udale quarters; Orosun Sacred Groove and Festival; Agaga Hills; Idanre Forest Reserve; and small-scale Cocoa Agricultural Estates. Community consensus identified heritage memorabilia, cottage industry, small scale local chocolate industry, community sacred forest tour guides and Orosun festival as to enhance the prosperity of the town. Conclusively, community opinion, cultural custodians, traditional rulers, heritage tourists were various elements of Idanre city system as Idanre city is tied to its heritage resources. The legibility of Idanre city is influenced by heritage resources as the collective memory that can be translated into urban prosperity. This paper recommends that innovation capacity and citizenry interaction are fundamental for desired Idanre prosperity through a robust heritage resource deeply rooted in creative industry rooted in heritage resources. Government need to promote the development of cultural heritage and creative industries. Furthermore, urban planning policies should be in favour of mixed-use, well defined and connected spatial clusters within the urban network. An integrated and comprehensive strategy is also needed for the development of creative industries.