The Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde has assured the residents of the state that rehabilitation work would soon commence on the roads leading to Iyamapo, a 2000 metres above sea level hill in Igbeti.
Representing Governor Makinde at the commemoration of World Tourism Day on Tuesday September 27, the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal gave the assurance at Igbeti, headquarters of Olorunsogo Local Government.
He also assured that the Oyo State government will invest in the tourism sector to attract local and international investors, who will in turn drive the state’s economic expansion drive.
Similarly, Lawal declared that the Governor ‘Seyi Makinde-led administration plans to harness the developmental benefits of the state’s mineral resources in Igbeti, to expand the economy.
The Deputy Governor said the present administration is determined to reposition the state’s tourism sector with its huge potential to drive the economy of the state.
Barr. Lawal who hinted that resources in Oke-Ogun zone of the state are enough to sustain Oyo State’s economy, therefore called on investors to help boost the economic activities of the state, through investment in the tourism sector.
His words: “The state government is open to collaboration with investors and relevant stakeholders in fine-tuning plans to harness our potentials.
“Harnessing the multi-million naira potentials in the state, will be extended to the 168 tourism sites in the state.
“We will drive world-class tourist sites and urban regeneration work to attract tourists, which will provide gainful means of employment for youth and women”, he stated.
Lawal added that this will open more rural areas, like Igbeti, to tourists as the plan include rehabilitating the road which will take tourists to Iyamapo to see the beauty and access all the other landmarks in the town.
“Oyo State government will rehabilitate the roads leading to Iyamapo Hill, which is one of the tourism potentials in Igbeti. This is part of our commitment to tourism in the state..
“This will also encourage tourists to visit Agbele Hill, Bata Erugba and other places and by so doing, they contribute to the growth of the economy,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun said that tourism in the state would be better harnessed by the ‘Seyi Makinde-led administration.
He also joined Barr. Lawal to call on investors to consolidate the efforts being made by the state government and other stakeholders in calling for growth and development of the tourism sector.
On this year’s theme “Thinking Tourism”, Olatubosun said Governor ‘Seyi Makinde’s administration plans to promote our heritage as well as other sites.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Abiodun Oni said Igbeti town, which is rich in both natural and mineral resources, is begging government and investors to beam their search light at the huge potentials therein.
He thanked the Governor ‘Seyi Makinde led administration for setting the ball in motion, commending the governor’s foresight.
The Special Adviser on Tourism, Hon. Akeem Ige said this year’s WTD was moved to Igbeti, so as to promote it and attract investors to the centre.
He said there are enormous potentials in Igbeti to invest in, adding that his office is likewise working on ways to invite investors to the state.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the ocassion, Prince Tunde Odunlade opined that tourism is a commercial organisation of holidays, which is vital for the success of many economies in the world.
He corroborated the Deputy Governor’s opinion that tourism could boost the state’s economy, calling on all stakeholders to play their roles.
Odunlade therefore appealed to the Oyo State government to provide desirable and enabling environment for tourism to grow in the state.
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