Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his administration’s readiness to partner with investors to unlock the tourism potentials of the state.
The governor also promised to support and work with relevant stakeholders and foster the partnership that would lead to sustainable development and guarantee the success of their investments.
Governor Makinde stated this on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the International Tourism Summit tagged #ITSOYOSTATE 2024, held at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
The two-day event was aimed at bringing local and international stakeholders in the tourism sector to showcase the cultural diversity and tourism potentials and harness them for socio-economic development.
Speaking on the theme: “Repositioning Tourism as a Drive for Sustainable Development in Oyo State,” Governor Makinde stressed that his administration had focused on the interconnectivity of all zones, thereby attracting tourists to the sites and creating enabling environment for tourism to thrive and also deepen the experience for business travellers.
Assuring that his government will fix the roads leading to Ikere Gorge Dam and Eruwa Agribusiness Hub soon, as investors have shown the readiness to develop the sites, the governor said the state will unlock the tourism potential of the state by working with local communities to project the sites.
He noted that much opportunities exist in the tourism sector, which can lead to prosperity if properly harnessed, adding that there are six major sites of development in the state, namely, Cultural Centre, Ibadan; Bower’s Tower, Eleyele Waterfront, Idere Hills, Iyake suspended lake and Iyamapo Hills.
While appreciating all delegates, investors and participants present at the event, Governor Makinde assured them of securing their investments.
In her welcome address, the Chairperson of the Summit, Dr (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, said the theme of the summit, “Repositioning Tourism as a Drive for Development in Oyo state,” is timely as the state is working towards targeting wider market of investors through projection of new face of tourism for sustainable development .
She added that for tourism to increase internally generated revenue, it must be done continuously to grow the economy and development of the state for the benefit of the people.
In her remarks, the Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, appreciated the Oyo State government for showcasing the hidden treasures of the state through tourism, assuring of her ministry’s partnership to support in exploring the potentials beyond the state.
In his goodwill message, former governor of Cross River State who was also the guest of honour, Donald Duke, said tourism development is encompassing to all sectors to grow the economy and attract investors of note to the state.
He noted that educating people in the hospitality sector is very essential to adding value so as to make the state one of the most visited tourism destinations in the world.
