The Oyo State Government has said that its first international tourism summit 2024 tagged #ITSOyoState2024 will unveil the tourism potentials of the state to local and foreign investors for investment opportunities.
The summit which will equally showcase the state’s tourism endowments and potential to the world, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and chairperson of the International Tourism Summit Planning Committee, Wasiu Olatubosun, said will align with the vision of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde to incorporate tourism as one of the planks for expanding the economy of the state.
The 2-day international summit will be held between April 17 and 18, 2024 at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan and is expected to bring together local and international tourism stakeholders to see the opportunities in the state and to invest in the state.
The commissioner noted that the international tourism summit, which is the first of its kind, would feature talks, symposiums, panel discussions, and various presentations that will showcase the opportunities that the government is ready to partner with investors and also recognise individuals and organisations that have contributed to tourism in Oyo State.
“So, we have invited you here today to formally announce to you, gentlemen and ladies of the press, that something big is about to happen in Ibadan. You will recall that between 2019 and 2023, the governor 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 has expanded the means through which it will 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.
The Commissioner also enjoined interested members of the public to access the programme and register on the website through https://tourism.oyostate.gov.ng/itsoyostate2024/.
Also speaking, Head of Content Marketing, Slvr Wlf Digitale Limited, Abigail Anaba, said the tourism summit would have an exhibition for micro, small, and large investors, local artisans, beauticians, architects, and technicians, among others.
She added that the event is also meant to attract investors who will develop the state’s tourist sites to international standards.
The Director General of Oyo State Investment and Public Private Partnership Agency, Tilewa Folami and Special Adviser on Socio-Economic Matters, 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; Executive Adviser on Agribusiness, International Cooperation and Development, Dr Debo Akande and the Special Adviser on Media/Chief Press Secretary,
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