Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his administration’s readiness to partner with investors to unlock the tourism potentials of the state.
The governor also 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.
Governor Makinde stated this on Wednesday 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 was 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.
Speaking on the theme: “Repositioning Tourism as a Drive for Sustainable Development in Oyo State,” Governor Makinde stressed that 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.
Assuring that his government will fix the roads leading to Ikere Gorge Dam and Eruwa Agribusiness Hub soon, as investors have shown the 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 noted that much 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 all delegates, investors and participants present at the event, Governor 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.
“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, in this presentation, I will share the keys that unlock tourism potentials in Oyo State.
