The Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, has reiterated the commitment of Gov. Seyi Makinde’s administration to unlock tourism potential in the state.
The commissioner spoke during a news conference on the proposed First International Tourism Summit.
He said that the event was aimed at bringing together local and international tourism stakeholders to come and see the tourism opportunities in the state with a view to investing in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the summit tagged #ITSOyoState2024 would be held on April 17 and April 18, 2024 in Ibadan.
Olatunbosun, who also doubles as Chairman of the Summit Planning Committee, said that the event would feature symposiums, panel discussions and various presentations that showcase the opportunities that government is ready to partner investors on.
According to him, key feature of the programme will be a Keynote Address which will be delivered by Gov. Makinde titled, “Unlocking the Tourism Potential of Oyo State through Public-Private Development Partner collaborations”.
“This summit will also give the state the opportunity to award individuals and organisations that have contributed to tourism in Oyo State through a Governor’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony,” he said.
The commissioner disclosed that the government would be working with a communication and marketing partner, Slvr Wlf Digitale, to ensure success of the event.
“The summit 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 the summit,” he said.
Speaking also, Head of Content Marketing, Slvr Wlf Digitale Ltd, Ms Abigail Anaba, said that the summit would give government opportunities to meet tourism stakeholders and share potential in the state and how they could partner with state to do business.
“The event will showcase the cultural diversity and tourism dynamics of Oyo State.
“Participants will learn how these opportunities can be leveraged so that Oyo state and, indeed, Nigeria can be more integrated into the global tourism industry for sustainable development,” she said. (NAN)