Unarguably, tourism in Oyo State is set to be another focal point of a sustainable economy drive to grow the gross domestic product of the pace-setter state if the innovative agendas arrived at the just concluded International Tourism Summit were given the right of place in the scheme of things.
Tagged; Unlocking Oyo State’s Tourism Potential, the two-day events, practically fulfilled the circle of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) bid as it avails the state an uncommon privilege to gather under one roof, the best brains in Nigeria’s tourism history.
It did not only have the finest crop of core practical stakeholders in attendance , but also rallied exhibitors of both products and services as well as consultants in the value chain industry to meet minds with the aim of setting the ball rolling for well-organised tourism-driven activities in Oyo State.
The two-day international summit, which was held on April 17 and 18, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, brought together local and international tourism stakeholders to see the opportunities and invest in the state.
Among those that congratulated the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde for the laudable initiative of giving tourism a pride of place in the state economic drive, include the former governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke, former Minister of indutry, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande, Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, among other personalities.
The Minister, who appreciated governor Makinde for showcasing the state’s tourism treasures through tourism, assured of her partnership to explore these potential.
“Under the theme of repositioning tourism as driver of sustainable development in Oyo State, we recognize its profound impact, economic growth, social cohesion and environmental conservation.
“Together with relevant federal, state and local governments, private sector and international stakeholders, we will endeavour to showcase the beauty that Oyo State beholds for our generation to come.
In his goodwill message, the guest of honour, Donald Duke explained that educating stakeholders in the hospitality sector is essential to make the state one of the safest tourism destinations in the world.
“I want to commend the Oyo State government for putting up these audiences, but I want to also appeal that Onikepo take it beyond where we are today, let’s localise it, let’s make it our lives to ensure that each part of our state is inviting to people from all over the world.
In her remarks, the former Minister of Industry, Mr Onikepo Akande, noted that the theme of the summit is timely as the state targets a wider market of investors.
“What Oyo State is working towards here is to target a wider market of investors, projecting the new face of tourism in the state.
In his presentation, the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde said that various speakers earlier in the day, especially during the opening presentations, discussed partnership opportunities in Oyo State and outlined what the State has to offer. It is one thing to know what we have and quite another to access it,” he stated.
“We have produced an investors’ handbook that takes a high-level look at these investments, but we are also prepared to take a deep dive into these investments.
So, what are these investment opportunities we are projecting?
“There are six of them. Ibadan Cultural Centre, Bower’s Tower, Eleyele Water Front, Idere Hill, Iyamapo Hill and Iyake Suspended Lake
If you watched the tourism documentary earlier, you would have seen all of these sites and destinations featured.
“As you may already know, we have expectations for these sites and destinations. For example, our minimum expectation is that the Ibadan Cultural Centre will be restored to its former glory.
“Under our PPDP arrangement, the primary source of funding for the project is the private investor or development organisation.
Oyo State Government is not saying, “Come we have a stack of cash somewhere that we will plough directly into the Focus 6’. I have said “Plough directly” because there is also indirect project financing which is captured and baked into infrastructure development.
“You may have heard about the rapid development of infrastructure Oyo State is carrying out, including roads that will make tourism sites easier to access and contribute to a great user experience. We have embarked on some and provided interconnectivity across all zones.
“In fact, it would be impossible to be having this conversation without the groundwork laid in the last five years.
“We know that tourism receives a greater boost when the government makes it easier for people to get to these destinations. So, part of what we are willing to offer investors is expanding the activities of the State-run transport service with the Omituntun Buses to these areas within and outside Ibadan.
“We know that some people often want to go to these sites and return to Ibadan on the same day. For the Iyake Lake, we have made that possible through the 65 km Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin Road. And for those trying to get in and out of the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub, we have the 34.85 km Oyo-Iseyin Road, which passes right in front of that facility.
“But we know this does not give the type of immersive experience that tourists are seeking. That is why one of the main investments we are projecting around these sites is suitable accommodation facilities within close proximity to the tourist site.
“I think another issue investors face with land is being scammed by people who claim they own the land, but they do not. To a large extent, we have dealt with that situation, and I am sure the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development will speak about it tomorrow. So be here to hear all he has to say.
“Of course, aside from partnerships with investors to develop these facilities that support tourism, there are also partnerships with content creators, promoters and others in the communications and marketing sector.
“I am sure in the weeks and months after this event, the State’s communication and marketing consultants will be reaching out to more of this segment to promote the State’s tourism sector.
“For many who have never been to Oyo State and even for some who live here, some of the tourism destinations mentioned today might seem very new. They may not have even heard of them. So, we agree that we need to work with the local communities and others to project these sites.
“I have heard the Honourable Commissioner quoting that we have over 100 of these sites. We are already working on a compilation of these and we will commission brochures and other materials that will further promote these sites. So that is another partnership to look forward to.”
Governor Makinde also thanked the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade John, the former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke and Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, for their presence at the International Tourism Summit Oyo State 2024.
Read Also: JUST IN: JAMB extends Direct Entry registration deadline
Source: