Partnering with investors will unlock Oyo’s tourism potential – Makinde
By Adewale Owoade
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says partnering with investors is the key to unlock the tourism potential of the state.
Makinde stated this at the opening ceremony of the International Tourism Summit tagged #ITSOYOSTATE 2024, in Ibadan.
The summit had the theme: “Repositioning Tourism as a Drive for Sustainable Development in Oyo State.
The two-day event aims to bring local and international stakeholders in the tourism sector to showcase the cultural diversity and tourism potential of Oyo State to harness them for socio-economic development.
The governor, therefore, 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.
“I always tell people that Nigeria has the potential and we have to unlock it to be able to realise the benefits from those potential.
“The investors have their money for their investment and on the other side is profit. So, the question always is what will be the Return on Investment (RoI).
“Without the right key to unlock the potential they are seeking, they will not gain access to the expected benefit.
“So, what is this key? Well, it is partnership,” Makinde said.
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.
She assured them of her ministry’s partnership to support in exploring the potential beyond the state.
“As the Ministry of Tourism, we’re encouraged to collaborate and promote this beautiful region.
“Together with relevant federal, state, local government, private sectors and international stakeholders, we will endeavour to showcase the beauty that Oyo State beholds for our generations to come,” Ade-John said.
Earlier, in her welcome remarks, the Chairperson of the Summit, Dr Mrs Onikepo Akande, said the event is a testimony to the fact that the state is not just paying lip service when it says that its goal is to expand the economy through tourism development.
“What Oyo State is working towards here is to target a wider market of investors by projecting the new face of tourism in the state.
“So, I am happy that tourism is being repositioned for sustainable development in Oyo State.
“It is not just about what we will enjoy now, it is about plans for the future generation.
“If tourism is to increase internally generated revenue, then it must be carried out in such a way that growth continues over time at a given pace.
“It is my prayer that this will be the first of many such events in Oyo State.
“That the goals and objectives of this event are met as Oyo State continues to attract more investors into the state to grow its economy to the benefit of the people,” Akande said.
In his goodwill message, former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, who was also the guest of honour, said tourism development encompasses the growth of all sectors and will attract investors of note to the state.
Present at the event were the Osun State Commissioner for Tourism, Mr Ojo Abiodun and former President, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Bayo Oyero.
Others were the National President, Nigeria Association of Tourism Operators, Mrs Ime Udo, the Alado of Ado Awaye, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ademola Folakanmi, among others.
Meanwhile, at a dinner and awards night, awards were given in different categories.
The Special Contribution to Oyo State Tourism Award – Cultural Event Ambassador, was given to Ambassador Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
