IMPACTS OF MODERNIZATION ON CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN ADO AND IGEDE EKITI, EKITI STATE

This research work concentrates on the impacts of modernization on cultural heritage management and tourism development in Ado and Igede Ekiti, Ekiti State, because, it has been observed that, the management of cultural resources and activities is very low and most of the valuable cultural materials are scattered recklessly in these study areas. In order to appropriately elucidate the contents of this work, it is divided into chapters and sub-chapters. The broad objectives of the study are to identify and document the cultural resources - tangible and intangible, in these study areas, examine their importance, identify the basic impacts of modernization on cultural heritages and to highlight the various means through which museum administration and tourism development can help in the management and promotion of cultural heritages for posterity. The research methodology used is ethnographically qualitative in nature, while the instruments and methods of data collection include: in-depth fieldwork, surface reconnaissance, participant observation, focus group discussions, photographic documentation and interview, using interview guide. Findings from the study revealed that, there are many archaeological and ethnographic resources in these study areas, but, due to the acculturated western culture, especially Christianity and formal education, most of these are at present going into extinction. In spite of the effects of modernization in this contemporary period, this research recommends that, there is urgent need for the government, cultural institutions, societal groups, tourism developers, traditional rulers, families, individuals, hotel management and philanthropists to actively help in funding and promoting indigenous knowledge and technology in the country with the use of modern equipment and methods that people can appreciate. In view of this, cultural heritages will have a wide chance to sustain and thrive in the face of westernization.
Key Words: Culture, resources, museum, modernization, tourism, management, development
This research work concentrates on the impacts of modernization on cultural heritage management and tourism development in Ado and Igede Ekiti, Ekiti State, because, it has been observed that, the management of cultural resources and activities is very low and most of the valuable cultural materials are scattered recklessly in these study areas. In order to appropriately elucidate the contents of this work, it is divided into chapters and sub-chapters. The broad objectives of the study are to identify and document the cultural resources - tangible and intangible, in these study areas, examine their importance, identify the basic impacts of modernization on cultural heritages and to highlight the various means through which museum administration and tourism development can help in the management and promotion of cultural heritages for posterity. The research methodology used is ethnographically qualitative in nature, while the instruments and methods of data collection include: in-depth fieldwork, surface reconnaissance, participant observation, focus group discussions, photographic documentation and interview, using interview guide. Findings from the study revealed that, there are many archaeological and ethnographic resources in these study areas, but, due to the acculturated western culture, especially Christianity and formal education, most of these are at present going into extinction. In spite of the effects of modernization in this contemporary period, this research recommends that, there is urgent need for the government, cultural institutions, societal groups, tourism developers, traditional rulers, families, individuals, hotel management and philanthropists to actively help in funding and promoting indigenous knowledge and technology in the country with the use of modern equipment and methods that people can appreciate. In view of this, cultural heritages will have a wide chance to sustain and thrive in the face of westernization.