Economy

Oyo Gears Up for Maiden International Tourism Summit April

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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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Environment

NCF Identifies Urbanisation, Coastal Erosion as Threat to Ecotourism

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By Rotimi Famakin

Growing urbanization and coastal erosion are critical factors currently affecting ecotourism development and conservation of biodiversity in Nigeria.

Director General, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja stated this while delivering a lecture organized by the Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, University of Ibadan.

Dr Onoja, who explained that there was the need for protected areas to promote biodiversity and fulfil human needs, said land encroachment, wastes deposited by residents due to urbanization and erosion during the wet season, were affecting ecotourism development

NCF Director General, who said the foundation was established in 1980 and registered in 1982, emphasized the need for individuals, institutions and corporate organizations considering conservation areas and ecotourism, to harness large areas as urban development might affect protected areas.

The guest lecturer added that ecotourism not only enhances harmonious human relationship with nature but also constitutes a source of revenue, and reduces air pollution and climate change.

 In his remark, the Dean Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Professor Adejoke Akinyele,  represented by Professor Emmanuel Ajani, said the lecture was timely as attention was being shifted to ecotourism due to opportunities that are embedded in the sector.

He said there was a need for partnership with other agencies on conservation so as to replicate the Lekki Conservation Centre in the University of Ibadan.

The Vice-Chancellor, the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale represented by the Dean of Social Sciences, Professor Oluwadayo Sonibare traced the historical background of the department to 1981 when the Faculty of Forest Resources was anchoring two courses in wildlife and fisheries.

Professor Adebowale, who said the institution was working towards developing Oba Dam in the university to become a tourist centre, noted that the university had been at the forefront of championing ecotourism and biodiversity conservation in Nigeria.

Professor Adebowale said the Biodiversity Conservation Club inaugurated on the occasion was the right step as it would register consciousness in the minds of young folk on the need to promote ecotourism and the conservation of biodiversity.

Earlier, the Head of the Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, Professor Abosede Omonona, said the lecture which was third in its series was conceived out of the desire to examine the impact of lecture room teachings on the public. 

  Professor Omonona said feedback from actors in ecotourism would enable the department to have a grasp of the challenges facing the tourism sector, and emphasized the importance of collaboration so as to achieve environmental protection and save natural resources.

She said the inauguration of the biodiversity conservation club on the occasion was a long-conceived idea in view of the creative mind and inherent talents deposited in the students to promote ecotourism and biodiversity conservation.

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Economy

Oyo Solicits Partnership in Tapping Tourism Potential

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By Iyabo Adebisi

As the world marks Tourism Day, Oyo state government says it is poised to make the tourism sector its major revenue source  to avoid relying on Federal allocation to cater for the people. 

The state’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun stated this while answering questions from journalists at the World Tourism Day held at Captains Bower’s Tower, Oke-Are, Ibadan. 

The commissioner, who noted that the state has 168 tourism sites, maintained that if they are fully harnessed, the revenue of the state would improve. 

Dr Olatunbosun, therefore, called on investors and well meaning Oyo state indigenes to partner government on tourism for the progress of the state. 

In a remark, CEO Farms and Sports Resort, Chief Dotun Sanusi stated that tourism is a catalyst for economic growth, cultural exchange and community development. 

Chief Sanusi, therefore, called for synergy to tap potential in tourism sector in the state with a view to achieving 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, adopted by the United Nations in 2015.

Others, who spoke on the occasion of the World Tourism Day including former first lady in the state, Chief Mutiat Ladoja, Babaloja General of Oyo state, Alhaji Yekini Abass and culture advocate, Nurudeen Akinade, urged the stakeholders in the tourism sector to increase awareness on the state’s tourism sites and resuscitate moribund sites to preserve the state’s cultural heritage. 

The theme for this year’s World Tourism Day 2022 is:”Tourism and Green Investments”. 

Dignitaries at the occasion included the representative of Olubadan, Oba Mahood Balogun, Otunba Seye Famojuro, and the President CCII, Niyi Ajewole

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Tourism

Midweek Cruise -Watch out!

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Tune to the South West radio stations of Radio Nigeria on Wednesday, 27th September for MIDWEEK CRUISE.

Focus – ‘Tourism in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges?’
Guest on the programme is the Commissioner For Culture and Tourism, Ondo State, Honourable ‘Wale Akinlosotu.
Watch and listen live on Facebook via-  https://www.facebook.com/PremierFM935?mibextid=ZbWKwL

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Olaitan Oye-Adeitan

Culture

Oyo Seeks Collaboration to Boost Tourism, Cultural Heritage

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For tourism and cultural heritage to thrive, it is essential that stakeholders on the nation collaborate.

Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Tourism and Culture, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun stated this during a meeting with the new Curator, National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan, Mrs Oriyomi Pamel Otuka.

Dr Olatunbosun explained that there was growing awareness about tourism and cultural heritage, hence the need for the National Museum of Unity and the Oyo State Ministry of Information, Tourism and Culture to sustain it.

He said the Oyo State Government had done its best in creating partnerships with relevant bodies to help sustain awareness of the Yoruba heritage.

Olatubosun promised that the Ministry would work with the National Museum to retrieve artifacts that were taken from the state, as this would also attract investors to the state.

“If the artifacts are well managed, it will help increase our Tourism potentials and it will be a good source of revenue generation for the state”, he said.

Speaking earlier, Mrs. Pamel Otuka, said that the museum was put in place in 1976 to foster the Nigerian diverse culture and to help them to identify their origin.

She added that the museum had the power to change people’s mind-set, especially during this period when Nigerian culture needs to be preserved.

Otuka said that the gallery was the first museum of unity in the country, adding that it is a specialised museum that tells the story of the rich Nigerian history.

“The museum primarily is used to foster peace among Nigerians, knowing that we have different cultures and backgrounds. It also gives us a platform to relate our past with our present. We invite people to visit this place, so that we can learn from our past and for us to maintain peace in the country,” she said.

The Curator therefore urged people to visit the museum and learn, adding that the staff had committed themselves to research.

“The museum is a store for our artifacts. It is a store house where valuables are kept for posterity sake”, she said.

In another development, the Oyo State Government has reiterated its resolve to invest hugely in tourism, adding that revenue accruable from it will be committee to enhance other infrastructures in the State.

This assertion was made by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Oyesola Oyedele during a visit of the Body of Permanent Secretaries in the state to the tourists’ site.

He said the Oyo State Government has promised to drive the economy of the State through tourism.

Earlier on, the Body of Permanent Secretaries had visited Ikere Gorge Dam located at Iseyin in Iseyin local government area and Kunle Afolayan’s Film Village at Komu in Itesiwaju local government.

Oluwakayode Banjo

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Tourism

We will drive the economy with Tourism, Solid Mineral – Oyo Govt

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The Oyo State Government has said it will soon commence rehabilitation work on the roads leading to Iyamapo, a 2000 metres above sea level hill in Igbeti town.

The Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal gave the assurance during the World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27, at Igbeti, headquarters of Olorunsogo Local Government Area.

He also assured that the government will invest in the tourism sector to attract local and international investors, who will in turn drive the state’s economic expansion drive.

Barrister Lawal also 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 tourism sector with its huge potential, to drive the economy of the state.

Barrister Lawal, who hinted that resources in the Oke-Ogun zone 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.

“The state government is open to collaboration with investors and relevant stakeholders in fine-tuning plan to harness our potentials”, Lawal said.

He explained that “harnessing the multi-million naira potentials in the state will be extended to the 168 tourism sites. 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”.

Barrister Lawal added that this will open more rural areas, like Igbeti, to tourists as the plan includes 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”, he said.

“This will also encourage tourists to visit Agbele hill, Bata erugba and other places and by doing so, 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 harnessed by the Seyi Makinde-led administration. 

Dr Olatubosun called on investors to consolidate the efforts being made by the state government and other stakeholders in calling for the 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 searchlight on 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, Honorable Akeem Ige said this year’s WTD was moved to Igbeti, so as to promote it and attract investors to the centre.

Mr Ige 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 occasion, Prince Tunde Odunlade opined that tourism is a commercial organization 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.

Prince Odunlade appealed to the Oyo State government to provide a desirable and enabling environment for tourism to grow in the State.

A Chieftain of Igbeti, Pa. Jacob Adetoro commended the present administration for uniting Igbeti indigenes, by bringing this year’s WTD to the ancient town.

Pa Adetoro said all hands are on deck to promote the rich potentials in Igbeti, saying the indigenes will work with the State Government and all relevant stakeholders.

A highlight of the two-day event was the celebration of a Cultural night on September 26, 2022, at Igbeti town hall.

The event also witnessed hiking, games, music, and visits to other tourist sites in Igbeti.

Oluwakayode Banjo

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Tourism

Oyo Govt Solicits Civil Servants’ Assistance in Promoting Tourism

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 …Urges them to visit Tourist Sites

Oyo State Government has held an interactive session with top civil servants in the State on tourism values, urging them to promote the over 450 tourist centres across the State.

The Chairman, Oyo State Tourism Board, Elder Debo Adejumobi, made the appeal during a one-day interactive session on the domestic tourism awareness campaign in Ibadan.

During the campaign tagged, “Know your State, Enjoy Your State, and Promote Your State” Adeyanju said it is pertinent for civil servants to be aware of Domestic Tourist sites in the State.

Adeyanju said for Tourism to develop in the state, there is a need for various stakeholders, such as civil and public servants to spend time, often in their locality for leisure, short holiday or entertainment. 

“Oyo State is ably endowed with various unique tourism potentials scattered over its nooks and crannies. Despite the beautiful sites and monuments, most Civil/Public Servants remain unaware of most of the sites, their locations and also importantly their tourism values”, he posited.

He added, “the economic multiplier effect of tourism can create employment, empowerment and generate income, domestic tourism and equally increase the flow of visitors to local tourism attractions, boost trade and commerce, especially within the immediate locality of the site”. 

The Special Adviser, Tourism, Hon. Ademola Ige equally appealed to tourism operators and other stakeholders in the industry to key into the Oyo State Government’s policy to promote over four hundred and fifty tourist centres in the state.

Also speaking, the Head of Service, Mrs. Ololade Agboola urged civil servants to familiarise themselves with the tourism centres in the state to attract local and international tourists.

The Head of Service, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary, Service Matters, Mr. Babatunde Adeyanju called on relevant stakeholders in the public service to ensure patronage of tourist sites within their locality. 

Speaking also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Oyedele Oyesola said the sensitisation programme was aimed at promoting Oyo state’s tourism. 

“We want top civil servants to know our tourist sites in Oyo state and also visit them”, he said.

Oyedele added, “we are embarking on a rigorous sensitization for our people on reasons to relax”.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Tourism

Ogun Govt. to Invest in Major Tourism Sites

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Ogun state government says it will invest more in major tourism sites as part of measures to shore up its internally generated revenue base.

Commissioners for Culture and Tourism, Dr Oluwatoyin Taiwo made this known during a visit to the second storey building in Nigeria situated at Ipate Oyinbo, Osi quarter’s Otta.

The Chairman of Awori Tourism Board, Omoba Femi Fadina who accompanied the Commissioner described the tour as timely and strategic to the development of tourism in Aworiland.

He expressed the board’s readiness to support the government in exploring the tourism potentials of Aworiland.

The building which housed Christian missionaries in the 18th century also served late Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther when he commenced the translation of the Bible from English to Yoruba.

In another development, the Transition Committee Chairman of Ado Odo Ota LGA,Hon. Lawal Wasiu has vowed to find a lasting solution to the persistent accidents in the area.

The chairman who stated this in an interactive session with newsmen on his administration’s successes pledged to fix the perennial traffic gridlock on some roads.

Speaking on the Coronavirus pandemic, Hon. Wasiu said the Local government administration would set up a task force to ensure strict compliance with government directives.

The transition chairman also pledged to grade some earth roads to make them motorable.

Solomon Olope

News Analysis

Harnessing Nigeria’s Tourism Potentials

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Tourism over the years has proven to be a strong and resilient economic activity and a fundamental contributor to economic growth of any nation.

As it generates billions of dollars in exports and creating millions of jobs.

Acknowledging these facts, many developing and developed countries today rely on tourism as an option for sustainable development of their nations.

Though Nigeria is richly blessed and endowed with both physical and cultural tourism potentials it has been relatively insignificant on the world tourism map.

This is because the nation’s economy has been mainly petroleum-driven, with the result that tourism does not play any significant role in the economy.

Much prominence has been given to oil production as the major source of revenue, particularly, foreign exchange at the expense of other industries including tourism.

Factors that affect the nation’s tourism sector include poor implementation of tourism plans, absence of defined measures to encourage participation in tourism, policy formulation and implementation, and poor infrastructural development.

It was also discovered that successive administrations have not shown commitment to tourism development beyond mere rhetoric.

Unless tourism is seen as strategically important to the economy of Nigeria and the necessary plans, policies, actions and resources to support this initiative are put in place, tourism will continue to be a missed opportunity.

For instance, in Ondo state, much concentration is still on cultural tourism which is promoting the culture through festivals and celebrities.

The state is also endowed with natural resources which if developed, will help to generate employment for the people and boost the local economy.

The time has come for the country to harness the potential in the tourism sector to protect its culture and heritage.

To do this, government at all levels should commit a lot of resources to the development of tourism sector.

Also, federal government needs to create a conducive environment so that visitors could be attracted to the nation’s tourist sites.

The provision of efficient transportation, stable power supply, water and telecommunications will make Nigeria a tourism destination for foreign nationals.

Above all, there should be attitudinal change by states and local government to improve their Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, through tourism development thereby reducing dependence on federal allocation.

Abisola Oluremi