In a landmark move towards fostering inter-state tourism collaboration, the Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Amb. Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq., paid an official visit to the Oyo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Hon. Wasiu Olatunbosun, at his office in the Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
During the engagement, Amb. Ojo-Lanre commended the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for creating an enabling environment for the tourism sector to thrive. He pointed out that both Gov. Makinde and Gov. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti State are visionary leaders who understand the significance of tourism as an economic driver and are actively working to harness its potential.
Amb. Ojo-Lanre further applauded Hon. Olatunbosun for his commendable efforts in leveraging Oyo State’s rich cultural and tourism assets to position it among Nigeria’s leading tourism destinations. He emphasised that the tourism and hospitality sector contributes over 35% to state revenue through levies, taxes, and operational fees paid by hotels, resorts, restaurants, event centres, and travel agencies.
Notably, Amb. Ojo-Lanre informed the commissioner that Ekiti State’s Tourism Policy has been finalised, thanks to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s commitment, while the Ekiti State Tourism Development Master Plan is progressing quickly.
He emphasised that these frameworks will provide a structured and strategic roadmap for sustainable tourism growth in Ekiti State.
Olatunbosun lauds Ojo-Lanre for rapid transformation of Ekiti’s tourism landscape
In response, Hon. Olatunbosun lauded Amb. Ojo-Lanre for the rapid transformation of Ekiti’s tourism landscape. He acknowledged the DG’s expertise as a renowned tourism journalist, seasoned traveller, and legal professional, which he has effectively applied to establish Ekiti as a tourism powerhouse.
The commissioner underscored the importance of collaboration between Oyo and Ekiti states in tourism branding and promotion. He disclosed that under Governor Makinde’s leadership, the historic Sango Festival of Oyo State has been shortlisted for UNESCO recognition. This milestone highlights Oyo’s cultural significance on the global stage. Additionally, he revealed that his ministry has partnered with the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and has commenced efforts to regulate and sanitise the hotel and hospitality industry for improved standards and compliance.
At the close of the meeting, both tourism leaders agreed to strengthen synergy and foster collaboration in tourism development. They shared a vision of leveraging culture and tourism for economic transformation, regional integration, and sustainable growth.
This engagement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership that will boost tourism in both states and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s overall tourism landscape.
