As the world marks world tourism day,Oyo state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has called on investors to support the State Government in promoting Tourism, stressing that tourism is a viable alternative to oil and other sources of revenue generation in the country.
The governor stated this in his address to celebrate World Tourism Day (WTD) at the Ado-Awaye Hills, Iseyin Local Government, Iseyin on Monday, September 27, 2021.
As an established practice, the Pacesetter State host stakeholders in the tourism sector including Government functionaries, Monarchs, and residents of the host community.
Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. ‘Bunmi Babalola, disclosed this to journalists in a press release issued on Monday in the state.
The governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Tourism, Hon. Ademola Ige, said, Stakeholders in the Tourism industries, and general public are expected to be part of the tourism development efforts in Oyo State.
He urged all stakeholders in the tourism industry to partner with the state government in order to make the sector a catalyst for positive change.
Governor Makinde also stated that this year’s World Tourism Day theme: ‘Tourism for inclusive growth’ is apt, as the State Government is set to work with investors on a Public Private Partnership scheme.
In his speech, the Chairman, Iseyin Local Government Area, Hon. Muftau Osuolale Abilawon pointed out that, the Local Government is ready to expand tourism potentials of Ado-Awaye adding that the site has placed Oyo state on World map.
He said, “We need to make our tourism sites attractive for the people and that is the reason we have decided to promote our domestic tourism. Our philosophy is to promote our tourist attractions.”
High point of the one day event, hosted by the Alado of Ado-Awaye, Oba Olugbile Ademola was the conferment of Ambassadorial Awards on twenty nine recipients, while forty Government functionaries and Tourism Promoters were awarded for their roles in promoting tourism in the State.
Part of activities marking the 2021 World Tourism Day was mountaineering at the Ado Awaye suspended lake which is one of the two lakes of such in the World.
Other highlights at the one-day event include performance by Cultural Troupe, picnicking, music and comedy.