By Iyabo Adebisi
Oyo State Government will host the first International Tourism Summit 2024 (#ITSOyoState2024) in Ibadan between April 17 and 18, 2024.
This event, organized by the newly established Ministry of Culture and Tourism, aims to attract local and international stakeholders to explore tourism opportunities and potential investments in the state.
While addressing members of the press at the Conference Room of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in the state, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, stated that Governor Makinde’s commitment to promoting the tourism sector was initially demonstrated through his Executive Order no 2 of 2023, which led to the creation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
He noted that # ITSOyoState2024 will serve as a platform to facilitate dialogue, with talks, symposiums, panel discussions, and presentations highlighting areas for collaboration and investment.
According to him, the two-day summit, to be held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, is expected to attract representatives from embassies, tourism leaders, financial institutions, and the international community.
Dr Olatunbosun added that by showcasing the state’s tourism potential and attracting investors, the government seeks to elevate the state’s tourism industry and drive sustainable economic growth.
He said: “Right now, you can access the programme on our website, https://tourism.oyostate.gov.ng/itsoyostate2024/. We will also have exhibitions of Oyo State arts and culture. On that website you will also find the names of speakers that have confirmed attendance and other details of the programme.”
“A key feature of the programme that I must highlight is the Keynote Address which will be delivered by His Excellency titled, “Unlocking the Tourism Potential of Oyo State through Public-Private Development Partner Collaborations.”
“This summit will also give the State the opportunity to, for the first time, award individuals and organisations that have contributed to tourism in Oyo State through a Governor’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony.”
“To ensure that this event runs smoothly, the government is working with Slvr Wlf Digitale as the communication and marketing partner for this event. # ITSOyoState2024 is envisioned as a no-holds-barred- conversation between government and stakeholders.”
“It is Oyo State’s way of saying, “Our doors are wide open for investments in tourism, and we are here to guide investors and make things easier for them within the State.”
“As Nigeria faces economic challenges, one of the key things we have to do is export more and earn more foreign exchange. And this is what we plan to do with this event.”
“I will now give the consultant for this event a few minutes to talk about what more you can expect and then we will take your questions,” he said.
Meanwhile, a committee has been set up for the summit which includes Mr Akinola Ojo – Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Dr Debo Akande – Executive Adviser on Agribusiness, International Cooperation and Development, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju – Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media Mr Tilewa Folami – Director General OYSIPA
Others are Dr Morohunkola Thomas – Special Adviser on Socio-Economic Matters, Ms Abigail Anaba – Head of Content Marketing, Slvr Wlf Digitale Ltd. and Dr Wasiu Olatubosun – Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism who is the Chairman of the committee.
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