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 that allows 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 emphasized that the tourism and hospitality sector contributes over 35% to state revenue through levies, taxes, and operational fees paid by establishments such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, event centers, and travel agencies.
Notably, Amb. Ojo-Lanre informed the Commissioner that Ekiti State’s Tourism Policy has been finalized, thanks to the commitment of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, while the Ekiti State Tourism Development Master Plan is progressing at a fast pace. He emphasized that these frameworks will provide a structured and strategic roadmap for the sustainable growth of tourism in Ekiti State.
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 traveler, 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, a milestone that highlights Oyo’s cultural significance on the global stage. Additionally, he revealed that his ministry has established a partnership with the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and has commenced efforts to regulate and sanitize 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, with a shared 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 not only boost tourism in both states but also contribute significantly to Nigeria’s overall tourism landscape.
