On November 6, 2024, Mr. Ayo Ojo, the Technical Advisor on Youth Inclusion to the Ekiti State Governor, convened a strategic meeting with Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development in his office.
The discussion centered on the future of tourism in Ekiti State, with a particular emphasis on the crucial role young people can play in driving tourism growth and stimulating local economic development.
Both leaders expressed mutual commitment to empowering Ekiti’s youth, recognizing them as essential stakeholders in the region’s tourism initiative. With Ekiti State blessed with abundant natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, they explored sustainable ways to leverage these assets through active youth participation.
During the meeting, Ojo-Lanre and Ojo addressed several pivotal topics aimed at revitalizing Ekiti’s tourism market and attracting inward investments. They stressed the importance of enhancing the visibility and appeal of the state to transform it into a premier tourist destination, thereby facilitating economic progress. The leaders identified strategies to engage both domestic and international tourists, highlighting Ekiti’s historical sites, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural offerings. They concurred that empowering young people with the requisite skills, resources, and platforms was vital for their active participation and substantial benefit from the tourism sector’s growth.
A significant portion of their dialogue focused on fostering collaboration between the Bureau of Tourism Development and the youth sector. Emphasizing the need for an integrated approach, both leaders understood that effective policies and programs designed to engage Ekiti’s youth could emerge from such cooperation. By pooling resources and innovative ideas, they aimed to create a tourism model that preserves local culture while involving young people as enthusiastic participants. This collaborative strategy, they believed, would not only enhance youth engagement in the tourism industry but also position them as ambassadors of Ekiti’s rich heritage.
To bring their vision to fruition, Ojo-Lanre and Ojo identified several initiatives aimed at promoting youth involvement in tourism. First, they proposed incorporating educational tourism into school curricula to instill an appreciation for heritage among students from a young age. They also discussed implementing volunteer programs that would allow youth to gain hands-on experience supporting tourism initiatives. Additionally, they planned to launch arts and crafts projects, empowering young artisans to create souvenirs and other commercial products that celebrate Ekiti’s culture and provide tourists with authentic local keepsakes. Furthermore, the leaders considered the development of a comprehensive tourism master plan that would serve as a strategic blueprint for these initiatives.
The meeting resonated with Ojo-Lanre’s passionate assertions about the vital role of youth in tourism. He articulated guiding principles such as, “Youths are the soul of Tourism,” “No youth, no tourism,” and “Youth is tourism, Tourism is Youth.” For Ojo-Lanre, engaging young people transcended mere goal-setting; it was a foundational philosophy. He firmly believed that their involvement would be pivotal to the future success of Ekiti’s tourism endeavor. By empowering youth, he argued, Ekiti could cultivate a vibrant, inclusive, and robust tourism industry poised to benefit generations to come.
As the meeting drew to a close, both leaders expressed optimism about the prospects of tourism in Ekiti. They remained hopeful that these youth-centered initiatives, rooted in sustainable practices, would cultivate a thriving tourism sector that honors Ekiti’s heritage and propels the state’s economic growth. By investing in youth and nurturing a tourism culture that recognizes their contributions, Ojo-Lanre and Ojo aspire to transform Ekiti into a destination that captivates visitors while inspiring and empowering its young residents.
