Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has reiterated his administration’s readiness to partner with investors to unlock the tourism potential of the state.
The governor also promised to work with relevant stakeholders and foster the partnership that would lead to sustainable development and guarantee retturns for their investments.
Makinde stated this 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 is 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.
Dwelling on the theme, “Repositioning Tourism as a Driver for Sustainable Development in Oyo State”, Makinde said 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.
While assuring that his government would fix the roads leading to Ikere Gorge Dam and Eruwa Agribusiness Hub soon as investors have shown their 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 said 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 the delegates, investors and participants present at the event, Makinde assured them of securing their investments.
He said, “When you hear the title of the presentation, the key word you can quickly identify is unlocking. I always tell people that Nigeria has the potential and we have to unlock it to be able to realise the benefits from those potentials.”
