The Oyo State Government has said its first international tourism summit in 2024, tagged #ITSOyoState2024, is geared towards unveiling its tourism potential to local and foreign investors for investment opportunities.
It was noted that the summit will equally showcase the state’s tourism endowments and potential to the world.
Addressing a pre-event press conference held at the Press Briefing Room of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and chairperson of the International Tourism Summit Planning Committee, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, said the summit aligned with the vision of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde to incorporate tourism as one of the planks for expanding the economy of the state.
Olatubosun said that the 2-day international summit will be held between April 17 and 18, 2024, at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan.
He added that the summit will equally bring together local and international tourism stakeholders to see the opportunities to invest in the state.
He noted that the international tourism summit, the first of its kind, would feature talks, symposiums, panel discussions, and various presentations that would showcase the opportunities for which the government is ready to partner with investors and recognise individuals and organisations that have contributed to tourism in Oyo State.
He said, “So, we have invited you here today to formally announce to you, the gentlemen and ladies of the press, that something big is about to happen in Ibadan.
“You will recall that between 2019 and 2023, His Excellency Seyi Makinde, FNSE, worked with the Oyo State Roadmap for Accelerated Development. As the name of that manifesto suggested, His Excellency concentrated on accelerated development through various projects. He especially worked on creating linkages across all zones. His actions then were preparatory.
“Now, we have Omituntun 2.0, and it is time for sustainable development. In his vision of continued prosperity for Oyo State, His Excellency expanded the means through which it would grow its economy. One of the new sectors added is tourism.
“You will recall that in October last year, His Excellency issued Executive Order No. 2 of 2023, through which he decoupled the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and created the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. That was the first signal that he was prepared to take tourism in Oyo State to the next level.
“And now, His Excellency has approved that we host the first International Tourism Summit 2024, tagged #ITSOyoState2024. This event will be held here in Ibadan on Wednesday, April 17, and Thursday, April 18, 2024.
“This first-of-its-kind event will bring together local and international tourism stakeholders to come and see the tourism opportunities in Oyo State to invest in the state.”
The Commissioner also enjoined interested public members to access the programme and register on the website.
Also speaking, Ms Abigail Anaba, Head of Content Marketing at Slvr Wlf Digitale Limited, said the tourism summit would include an exhibition for micro, small, and large investors, local artisans, beauticians, architects, and technicians.
She added that the event would also attract investors who would develop the state’s tourist sites to international standards.
In their separate remarks, the Director General of the Oyo State Investment and Public Private Partnership Agency, Mr Tilewa Folami, and Special Adviser on Socio-Economic Matters, Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, said the tourism summit would create more employment opportunities and provide jobs for the teeming youths and the general public, as well as add more value and impact to the economy of the state.
Other members of the committee are the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akinola Ojo; the Executive Adviser on Agribusiness, International Cooperation and Development, Dr Debo Akande; and the Special Adviser on Media/Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
