The Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, says the state government will soon begin rehabilitation work on the road leading to Iyamapo Hill, a 2000 metres above sea level hill, in Igbeti area of the state.
Lawal gave the assurance at the celebration of 2022 World Tourism Day (WTD) in Igbeti, Headquarters of Olorunsogo Local Government area of the state.
He said that this would open more rural areas, like Igbeti, to tourists to enable them to see the beauty and access all other landmarks in the town.
“Oyo State Government will soon rehabilitate the road leading to Iyamapo Hill, which is one of the tourism potential 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 interesting places and by so doing, they will contribute to the growth of the state economy,” Lawal said.
The deputy governor assured the people that the state government would invest in the tourism sector to attract local and international investors.
According to him, this will in turn drive the state’s economic expansion.
Lawal said that Gov. Seyi Makinde-led administration plans to harness the developmental benefits of the state’s mineral resources in Igbeti, to expand the economy.
He said that the current administration was determined to reposition the state’s tourism sector with its huge potential, to drive the economy of the state.
Lawal said that resources in Oke-Ogun zone area of the state were enough to sustain the state’s economy.
He, 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 plans to harness our potential.
“Harnessing the multi-million naira potential 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 youths and women,” Lawal said.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, said that tourism in the state would be harnessed by Makinde-led administration.
Olatubosun called 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 the Day’s theme: “Thinking Tourism”, Olatubosun said that the governor plans “to promote our heritage as well as other sites”.
Also, Mr Abiodun Oni, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, said that Igbeti Town, rich in both natural and mineral resources, was calling for the government and investors’ attention to harness its huge potential.
Earlier, Mr Akeem Ige, the Special Adviser on Tourism to the governor, said the 2022 WTD was moved to Igbeti, to promote it and attract investors to the place.
Ige said that there were enormous potential in Igbeti to invest in, adding that his office was working on ways to invite investors to the state.
Prince Tunde Odunlade, the Chairman of the ocassion, said, “Tourism is a commercial organisation of holidays, which is vital for the success of many economies in the world.”
Odunlade corroborated the deputy governor’s opinion that tourism would boost the state’s economy, calling on all stakeholders to play their roles.
He appealed to the state government to provide desirable and enabling environment for tourism to grow in the state.
A leader in Igbeti, Pa Jacob Adetoro, commended the state government for uniting Igbeti indigenes by bringing this World Tourism Day to the ancient town.
Adetoro said that all hands were on deck to promote the rich potential in Igbeti, adding the indigenes will work with the state government and all relevant stakeholders.
An highlight of the two-day event was celebration of Cultural night on Monday at Igbeti Town Hall.
It also witnessed hiking, games, music and visit to other tourist sites in Igbeti. (NAN)
