The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has announced his plan to create a ‘Dedicated Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development’ to strategically enhance the humongous tourism assets of the state. This was in his strident efforts to put Ekiti on the path of long-term economic growth, steady advancement, and improvement of material and human resources.
Governor Oyebanji, who has been described as one of the most proactive Governors in Nigeria, revealed while he was hosting a Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) delegate in his office in Ado Ekiti, yesterday.
In response to the NATOP delegation’s request for his and Ekiti State’s support in hosting the organization’s AGM in Ekiti State, the Governor reaffirmed his preparedness and willingness to do so.
According to Governor Oyebanji, his administration has resolved to investigate the role of tourism as a socio-economic agent of empowerment, employment, revenue generation, social engagement, and development. His government fully understands the benefits of tourism to a state with a thriving tourism industry like Ekiti.
The Governor stated that his administration also realised that Ekiti State’s tourism resources would be more profitable if they were treated as a separate economic and corporate entity free from pointless formalities and procedures.
He stated that it is because of this that his government has firmly decided to squarely and appropriately position tourism as an important economic sector. “As a result, we have decided to establish and create the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development as a unique legal entity free from red tape and bureaucratic restrictions.”
The Ministry of Justice has crafted the Bureau’s legislative structure, and according to Governor Oyebanji, the Bureau will soon start operating seriously.
The Governor, who admonished NATOP for considering Ekiti State, gave NATOP’s local organising committee 10 days to inform his office of the hosting arrangements.
