The Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development has forged a strategic partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to promote and market the state’s tourism potential worldwide.
The Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Amb. Wale Ojo-Lanre, paid an advocacy visit to the office of Chief Joseph Falopo (Olofooro), the Chairman of the NURTW, on September 20, 2024.
His team accompanied him, including Mr. Michael Peculiar Ekiran, the Special Assistant on Tourism Development, Dolapo Ogunleye Adewumi, the Tourism Officer, and Mariam Ajibola.
The advocacy visit was held at the NURTW office on Ijan Road, Ado Ekiti where Chief Joseph Falope (Olofooro) and Deputy Secretary Mr. Kayode Akinniyi warmly received Amb: Ojo-Lanre and his team.
During the visit, Amb. Ojo-Lanre emphasized the importance of collaboration and synergy between the Bureau and the NURTW, as the drivers are key players and stakeholders in tourism promotion and visitor experience.
“You, I mean NURTW members, are the first impression manager of Ekiti. Your conduct, deeds, acts and words go a long way in influencing travellers and tourists to the state.
He shared his experiences during his first visit to Ghana, where the driver who drove him gave a great impression of the place, making him feel relaxed and enjoy his stay.
Amb. Ojo-Lanre noted that the separation of the Bureau of Tourism Development aims to showcase, promote, and market Ekiti State’s tourism and tourism sites to the world, attracting more visitors and boosting its economy.
He further explained that Ekiti State is blessed with a wealth of tourist attractions that can generate revenue for the state.
“Tourism is about travel. The Bureau of Tourism Development Ekiti State is the conductor of the tourism vehicle. Members of NURTW are strategic determinants of the traffic to Ekiti State, for they convey the tourists and have first-hand contact with them. Hence, the Bureau and Ekiti NURTW must form a Siamese relationship to market Ekiti profitably.”
Chief Falope, the NURTW Chairman, commended the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for the transformation and changes in the state and the creation of the Tourism Bureau.
He also praised the Director General for acknowledging the Union’s relevance to tourism development and promised to do more than expected to promote tourism and tourist visits to the state.
This is the first time NURTW will be recognized as a strategic partner in selling Ekiti as a tourism destination. We thank Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for this, and we will not disappoint him.
In recognition of their contributions to tourism development, Amb. Ojo-Lanre informed that Chief Falopo would be designated Chief Tourism Ambassador during the upcoming World Tourism Day celebrations on September 27 at Ilupeju Ekiti.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to promoting and marketing Ekiti State to tourists across the nation. The parties also agreed to work hand-in-hand, with the NURTW serving as ambassadors of tourism in Ekiti State by presenting the state positively to passengers, travellers and tourists.
