The Guild of Tourism Journalists in Nigeria, GTJN, has applauded the executive governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, over his determination to restore and uplift the tourism sector in Ekiti State and the enhancement of Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, Ikogosi Ekiti, back to global excellence and international reckoning.
In a release made available to newsmen in Ibadan and signed by Remi Oladoye, the Secretary of the guild, it said, “We members of this Association are proud of your tourism initiatives, policy and determination to develop the tourism sector, not only by words of mouth but by deeds.”
Mr Oladoye revealed that “we are glad that Governor Oyebanji has made tourism development the sixth sectoral policy of his government. This is not only cheering, but hope-laden news for both tourism. practitioners in the state and also for the numerous tourism sites in Ekiti State.
“The Guild of Tourism Journalists in Nigeria is the only tourism association in Nigeria which has an unmitigated interest in the development of the tourism sector in Ekiti State, in particular, and in Nigeria in general.”
Oladoye added, “I must bring to memory the part played by this association during the pre- and post-restoration of Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, Ikogosi Ekiti, in 2012, during the first tenure of Dr Kayode Fayemi, when the guild mobilized its members in highlighting in sequential order, the restoration, inauguration and post-inauguration of the rehabilitated Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort; and we never kept our mouth shut when the resort was abused and neglected.”
The guild pointed out, “Hence, we are glad that Governor Oyebanji is not only making politics out of his tourism policy, but has taken the first step of conviction by concessioning Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort to a world-class company, which will turn Ikogosi into an eldorado of heavenly bliss and wonderful destination once again.”
Pointing out that Ekiti State is a paragon of numerous tourism potentials, only waiting to be tapped and cultivated for empowerment, employment, revenue generation and development, the guild assured Governor Oyebanji of it’s readiness to partner Ekiti State government as part of it’s developmental journalism ethos.
It said, “We are ready to form a synergy of purpose with your government, as part of our development journalism ethos. You have displayed a robust sense of tourism-friendly posture, consider us as your partner in the progress and advancement of tourism in Ekiti State.”
