By Adeyinka Adeniran
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the Minister for Tourism, Lola Ade-John, Nigeria’s first female Minister of Industry, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande, former governor of Cross River, Mr Donald Duke among other notable dignitaries have said the tourism sector, if well harnessed can be a good driver of the economy.
The dignitaries spoke in their various remarks on Wednesday at the Oyo State International Tourism Summit christened Oyo 2024.
The event which held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan also saw the dignitaries maki g a case for the various tourist potentials of the state.
At the event, Governor Makinde promised ten years long leases, road infrastructure, power and other enablers to investors interested in partnering with the state government to develop and reposition select tourist sites in the state.
He particularly identified six focus sites where the state is seeking investor partnerships.
Describing them as the focus six, Makinde said the state is seeking private investors in the Cultural Centre, Bower’s Tower and Eleyele Waterfront for Ibadan zone; Idere hill for Ibarapa zone; Iyamopo hill and Iyake lake, Ado-Awaye for Oke-Ogun zone.
He added that the state is also seeking private investment in the Eruwa farm settlement, Ibarapa zone.
He said the state looked at an investor entry point of about N250 million, assuring that investors could make 60 percent profit yearly and recoup their investment under 10 years.
In specific terms, the governor said the state wanted investors that could provide suitable accommodation around the sites to allow for visitors to lodge for days without the usual practice of seeking accommodation in the Ibadan metropolis.
For some of the sites that have poor access roads, Makinde promised that as soon as investors commit to investing in a particular site, he would mobilise resources to fixing the access roads.
He also assured of working with local communities to project the sites, just as he promised to provide necessary enablers to facilitate investments in the sites.
In her remarks, the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, stressed the need for governments to forge partnerships and work towards a future where tourism enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike.
She said the local communities must be actively involved in initiatives and empowered to share their traditions and heritage.
Ade-John further noted that the communities must be encouraged to be welcoming and caring towards visitors and taught to keep their environment clean.
Also speaking, former governor of Cross River, Mr Donald Duke stressed that all efforts must be geared towards marketing culture while seeing tourism as life itself.
Chairperson of the event, Mrs Onikepo Akande, noted that the state is open to more investors to help grow its economy for the benefit of the people.
On her part, President, National Association of Tour Operators, Ime Udo said it was imperative for every state to develop its potential in ecotourism, cultural tourism.
She also charged states to work with tour operators to drive investors apart from making efforts to boost access roads to the sites.
Speaking, the Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Ojo Abiodun charged Southwest governors to be more serious about culture and tourism, especially embrace its potential to tackle joblessness.
The event featured panel discussions on powering tourism in the state with Mr Wale Olapade, Dr Gabe Onah, Ms Marina Bland, Mr Ikechi Uko, Professor Jide Owoeye, Mr Tony Jibunoh, Chief Kunle Adedigba among the panelists.
The two days event will be brought to a close on Thursday.
