Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has called on local and international investors to take advantage of the vast tourism potentials in the state to boost its economy through revenue generation.
Fayemi noted there were lots of untapped potential in the tourism sector beckoning for exploitation.
He said that his administration has put in place policies and legislations to create enabling environment for investment to thrive.
The governor, while speaking during inspection of the state’s tourism facilities on Sunday, reiterated his government commitment to revolutionise its tourism sector for economy prosperity.
Fayemi, represented by the Commissioner for Arts, Tourism and Culture, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare said were on to make Ekiti economically viable and epicenter of development through huge investment in tourism and entertainment sector.
He said: “The essence of our identification of tourism facilities in the state is to show the world the potentials this State has for tourism business. You have seen the depth of what we have. What is left is for investors to come in and do business with the state.
“It is good to build filling stations and hotels, but tourism sites when invested in, can give you what petrol stations and running a hotel cannot give you.
“We are calling on domestic and foreign investors to come to Ekiti and do tourism business with us. The message is simple if your ambition is to make money, come to Ekiti. We have a lot for you to key into and make money.”
“We have Arinta waterfall, the Ero Dam, Fajuyi Amusement park, the Ikogosi warm spring, and the Civic Center edifice which contains the cinemas, art theatre, gallery and other facilities. I don’t know where something like our Civic centre is in Nigeria except the National Theatre in Lagos.
“In the next couple of months, Ekiti will be the hub of entertainment, that is why we are calling on all potential investors to come in now and key into what we are doing in Ekiti State, he assured.
“The crime rate here is close to nothing. There are many destinations world over with serious security issues and people still go there. But, in Ekiti, you can attest to the fact our security operatives are almost on vacation because there is little or nothing for them to do in terms of chasing criminals. We thank God for the peace we enjoy in the state, which is an added value to the tourism business.
“Ekiti people are warm people. They receive and take care of people. It is one state that solves the problems of other people irrespective of where they come from. Already, our people naturally have the nature to receive and take care of people and that is the fundamental of tourism,” Fayemi added.
