The National Association of Nigeria Trave Agency has said Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state is one of the Eminent personalities to be honoured for the developmental strides and efforts gears towards development of domestic tourism in the country
President of the Association Madam Suzan Akporiye disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the governor’s office in Ibadan on Thursday
Akporiye and her team who were on a familiarisation visit to South Western zone of the association were received by Hon Akeem Ademola Ige, special Adviser to the governor on Tourism.
In her remarks, the NANTA President said, Governor Makinde deserves to be honoured because of his genuine passion for the advancement of the state, infrastructural build up as well as efforts in creating enabling environment for businesses to thrive .
“The transformation of Ibadan airport and how he facilitate coming of airpeace to Ibadan will no doubt enhance traveling and tourism sector, it is highly commendable and i belief more are still coming
” At a point the security challenges was enormous but today in Oyo state the governor and his team have been able to overcome the situation and tourists and people can move for their businesses without fear of being kidnapped or attacked”
She however urged the governor to support the association with a bus to ease their movements and lands for construction of NANTA Zonal Secretariat as well as NANTA estates.
Similarly , the National treasurer of the association, Dr Olatokunbo Dagunduro and the Zonal Vice President Pastor Hezekiah Afolabi
said oyo state government under th leadership of Engineer Seyi Makinde always open her doors to NANTA for collaborations and developmental ideas
They commended Hon Akeem Ademola Ige for his roles and urge him not to relent in his efforts in taking tourism to a greater height in the state.
Economic Adviser to Governor Makinde , Professor Musbaudeen Babatunde in is remark said the governor is not leaving any stone unturn in creating enabling environment necessary support to develop the economy and boost internationaly generated revenue
He hinted that the state government has earmarked a sum of N10b in the 2022 budget for the upgrade of the Ibadan airport to international standard.
The economist who also lecture economic tourism at the University of Ibadan said tourism is a money spinner and the government will not let the humongous tourism potential in the state to be wasting away.
Hon Akeem Ige, Special adviser on Tourism while welcoming the NANTA President to Oyo state said , the state consider Travel and Tourism sector as one of the most important sector that deserve utmost attention.
His excellency governor Seyi Makinde has not only mandated us to ensure pubblic private partnership on our tourism sites he is also providing infrastructure and basic amenities that will make tourism business easy in the state
“Apart from construction of roads, the governor is also working on how Ibadan airport can be an international airport which will attracts more traffic to the state and with that travel and tourism industry will have more clients and make more Money
On the issue of security, Hon ige said ” I know insecurity is a virus in travel and tourism busines but i am happy to tell you today that the virus has been removed as the government is working out modalities to sustain the peace and safety we are currently enjoying in the state
” Governor was on Tuesday honoured by a group of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora as the best Governor on security and youth empowerment, that means his efforts is being notice and that honour will further boost his morale to do more
NANTA President was accompanied by some members of National and Zon executives,state chairmen and others.
