The Oyo State government, over the weekend revealed its blueprint for the development of the state’s tourism sector.
The state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, stated this in Ibadan during an interview on the state broadcasting service.
Dr Olatunbosun said that “the state government has a blueprint on tourism, which will be revealed to Oyo people and the country soon.
He said through the blueprints, actions would be deployed to achieve the economic goals and development as outlined in the Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development 2023-2027.
Commending the governor of the state, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his commitment towards the promotion of tourism for sustainable development in the Omituntun 2.0 agenda, Olatubosun highlighted the various developmental approaches that will be adopted in promoting and prioritizing natural heritage, as a propagation of culture and tourism in the state, there by attracting investors from all nooks and crannies.
He added, “There is a new ministry called Culture and Tourism; this shows the commitment of the state government in line with the governor’s Roadmap for Sustainable Development 2023-2027.
“The endowment in this state, in this sector is unbelievable. We are richly blessed with potentials.”
He further said that this could be achieved by approaching development agencies interested in investing in culture to seek opportunities for collaboration, including the Public-Private Partnership, PPP, within and outside the shores of the Nation.
He enthused, “Oyo State houses 168 tourist sites, amongst which we have: The Bowers Tower in Ibadan, the Ancient Ibadan Cultural Centre, Sogidi Lake in Aawe, Oyo, Iyamapo in Igbeti, Iyake Suspended Lake in Ado-Awaye and other monuments/historic sites.
He said that some of the identified key tourist sites are currently being inspected in partnership with invited investors, and plans to refurbish moribund art facilities in a space of one year is already in progress.
