Oyo State government on Wednesday declared its intention to explore the tourism potentials in the state to boost its Internal Generated Revenue (IGR).
Speaking while receiving delegations of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) led by its National President, Mrs Susan Akporiaye, the Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Tourism, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige said that the state government is working to ensure that the state is conducive for the tourism business.
Hon. Ige, who received the NANTA delegations alongside Chief Economic Adviser to Governor Makinde, Prof. Musibaudeen Adetunji Babatunde, said the state is in a joyous mood as the state Governor just received Award of Excellent as the best performing Governor in terms of Security and youths empowerment, noted that this is a pointer to the fact that the governor is doing all he can within his capacity to ensure that the state is well secure and conducive for local and foreign investors.
He also stressed that the state government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde felt the pulse of the NANTA during the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in a relief of 75 per cent reduction of tax payment by the agency to the state government purse.
Ige maintained that the state is blessed with tourist attractions which remains untapped potentials for both the government and stakeholders in the tourism sector.
He urged members of the agency to tap into the natural ambience of Ado Awaye Lake and turn it into a profitable venture for the state and themselves by bringing in tourists from different parts of the world, stressing that such development will further boost the economic capacity of the state.
Hon. Ige, however, appealed to the delegation to work within their capacity to flush out fake and dubious characters who are going about, parading themselves as travel agents and in the process duping unsuspected members of the public.
He stressed that NANTA is one of the most respected associations in the country.
In his contributions, Prof. Musibaudeen Babatunde said Engr. Seyi Makinde-led government is currently working on the economic expansion of the state.
He said further that security in Oyo state has become stabilized because we understand that no economy can thrive in a security challenged environment.
“We are also working on the infrastructure aspect to make sure that the state regains it is lost glory in all ramifications, I promised you that Governor Makinde will give your association all the necessary supports needed to make your business thrive and I believed also that this will enhance the economic growth of the state because we have seen the potentials in the tourism sector and we are ready to tap it to boost our IGR. Prof. Babatunde said.
Earlier in her address, the National President of NANTA, Mrs Susan who was accompanied by Erelu Funmi Rotiba and other members of the agency, appreciated the efforts and commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde led administration in promoting the tourism sector.
She however pleaded for a logistics vehicle and a befitting zonal headquarters for the NANTA members.
She said the Headquarters will be a training ground for interested upcoming youths that love to venture into the travel and tour business, stressing that it is important to train the youths that have an interest in the job at heart than promoting quackery.
