The federal government has called on Nigerian entrepreneurs to invest more in tourism, saying such moves will afford the nation the desired investment opportunities in its people and their future.
The minister for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, who stated this in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, at the official launch of Visit Ekiti, a tourism development outfit, said tourism development, job creation, and youth empowerment are central pillars of the present administration’s agenda.
He said tourism is more than leisure; it is a vehicle for economic growth, job creation, and cultural preservation. He added that the event marks the beginning of a new chapter in Ekiti State’s cultural and economic renaissance history.
Represented by Dr Adedamola Ogunlola, he said the unveiling of a dream to showcase the rich cultural heritage, the breathtaking landscapes, and the profound history of Ekiti to Nigeria, Africa, and the world.
Dwelling on the place of youth in the nation’s tourism development, he said, “For tourism to thrive, the energy, innovation, and creativity of our young people must be at the heart of the process. This vision aligns perfectly with the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. Our young people are not only custodians of our cultural values but also the drivers of new ideas that can transform heritage into wealth”.
Describing tourism as a youth-driven future, the minister said his visit to Ekiti stands as a timely and strategic partner for tourism, which thrives on the enthusiasm and ingenuity of young people—whether as tour operators, digital marketers, cultural curators, or eco-guides.
Earlier, the Lead and Creative Director of Visit Ekiti Limited, Mr Ayodeji Ogunro, said it is a platform to drive and develop Ekiti state arts, culture and tourism.
Ogunro added that the initiative signifies the birth of a movement that will redefine our future and formalise the world’s declaration that Ekiti is open for business, discovery, and wonder.
He said, “For too long, our majestic story—the story of the globally unique Ikogosi Warm and Cold Springs, the spectacular Arinta Waterfalls, and our rich cultural heritage—has awaited its spotlight. That wait ends today.’’
