The Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji is striving hard to ensure the expansion of the coast and the blossoming of tourism stakeholders in Ekiti State
Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq, Director-General, Bureau of Tourism Development, Ekiti State, made this assertion while receiving members of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies, NANTA, who paid him a courtesy call on him at the Governor’s office, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State
During the meeting, Amb Wale Ojo Lanre expressed his gratitude for their visit and assured them of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s unwavering commitment to supporting their businesses and the tourism industry in Ekiti State.
Amb Wale Ojo Lanre Esq commended the members of NANTA for their dedication and contribution to the growth of the travel and tourism sector in Ekiti State.
He acknowledged the vital role played by travel agencies in promoting tourism, attracting visitors, and boosting the local economy.
Amb Wale Ojo Lanre emphasized that the state government recognizes the immense potential of the travel industry and tourism in the economy of a state hence, he created the Bureau of Tourism Development under his direct supervision.
‘ Gov Oyebanji is actively working towards creating an enabling environment for you people to grow. In his vision for Ekiti State, Gov Oyebanji has prioritized the development of the tourism sector as a key driver of economic growth and job creation.
This administration is committed to implementing policies and initiatives that will attract more tourists to the state, thereby increasing the demand for travel agency services.
The governor firmly believes that by supporting the members of NANTA, Ekiti State can position itself as a leading tourist destination in Nigeria.
So my brother go home and tie your loins for big business and heavy Returns On Investments ‘
Amb Wale Ojo Lanre further highlighted some of the ongoing efforts by the state government to support the travel agencies in Ekiti State. These include the provision of necessary infrastructure, such as improved road networks, a first-class Bus Terminus, a Clean environment, reliable transportation systems, and modern tourism facilities.
He assured them that Governor Oyebanji would actively engage stakeholders to create favorable policies and regulations that would facilitate the growth of the travel industry.
Amb Wale Ojo Lanre concluded by expressing his optimism for the future of the travel agencies in Ekiti State.
He assured the members of NANTA that their concerns and suggestions would be taken into consideration as the government continues to develop strategies to enhance the tourism sector.
Amb Wale Ojo-Lanre encouraged NANTA members in Ekiti to take advantage of the various support programs and initiatives that will be provided by the state government to expand their businesses and contribute to the overall development of Ekiti State.
He said that the Bureau of Tourism Development Ekiti State remains committed to fostering a strong partnership with NANTA and other stakeholders in the travel industry. ‘
“Together, we can harness the immense potential of tourism to create a prosperous and vibrant Ekiti State”
Mr Sikiru Yusuf Olanrewaju, CEO, of Baytkay Travels, who is Chairman, of NANTA Ekiti State Chapel, led his members on the visit and had earlier congratulated Amb Ojo-Lanre on his appointment as the DG Bureau of Tourism and thanked Gov Oyebanji for ‘ putting a round peg in a round hole ‘.
He enumerated several challenges that are confronting the members of NANTA in Ekiti State which include, the nuances of unregistered travel agencies, harassment from different tax authorities, non-patronage of members by governments, and information mismanagement about the security situation in Ekiti State
Mr Sikiru Yusuf Olanrewaju that Ekiti NANTA has some business proposals that he would present to the Bureau.
Otuyelu Kehinde, an Aviation expert and a member of NANTA commended Amb Wale Ojo-Lanre for his down-to-heart interaction with them.
” This is my second time in my interaction with political appointees to meet a fellow who knows what he is doing and doing what he knows well ‘
Otuyelu Kehinde commended the Ekiti State government for planting an Airport in Ekiti.’
He said ” The airport will boost all business in Ekiti. By the time the Airport is on full throttle, those castigating the planter and the idea will seek forgiveness.
Others members who accompanied the Chairman are, Olu Ibikunle , Gen Secretary, Ojo Felix Anoda Global Concept, Olaolorun Sunday, Skotech Travels , Adeoye Henry, Flipzia International Ltd and Komolafe Taiwo
