The Ondo state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Wale Akinlosotu, has called on local and foreign investors to leverage on the enabling environment being created by the state Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for the promotion of tourism in the state.
The Commissioner who made the disclosure during a tour of the popular Idanre tourists hills, said infrastructure and security, which were germane to the growth of tourism, had been provided by the governor.
Mr Akinlosotu who observed that the hills remained a very important site of attraction for tourists, said if well developed, it would bring about economic prosperity to the people and the state at large.
While reiterating Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led administration’s commitment to making the state a tourists hub for the nation, the commissioner, further promised to give the site a face-lift, just as he also encouraged stakeholders to join hands with the government in ensuring that all the tourists attractions in the state became a world class.
He noted that there was a high profit turnover on tourism investment, therefore, the need for all stakeholders and investors to joining hands with the state government in exploring the opportunities in the sector..
In his words, “what we have seen here is very impressive and Idanre hills, no doubt remain a great tourists attraction for the state and the country.
“Ondo state is blessed with a lot of tourists potentials and we encourage investors to join hands with the government to bring development to these potentials.
“An investment in tourism would boost economic profile of the state and create job opportunities for the youth
“Government is aware of the potentials in this sector and that’s why we are prepared to collaborate with stakeholders and investors in exploring the opportunities in the sector.” He concluded.
Earlier, during a courtesy visit to Idanre Local Government Secretariat, the Commissioner together with the management staff of the ministry, sought the collaboration of the council in propagating the state cultural heritage.
Mr Akinlosotu who revealed that the move was in line with the vision of Mr Governor to transform the tourism sector through his REDEEMED agenda, stressed that the ministry was organising a cultural festival that would involve all the 18 local governments in the state.
According to him, the festival would promote cultural tourism which has economic benefits that would help raise the living standard of the people, through more commercial activities and increase in government revenue.
Responding, the Chairman of the Local Government, Prince Kayode Aroloye appreciated the move and pledged the council’s support for the project.
He said the local government would be ready to synergise with the ministry with the view to actualising the dream of the state government in preserving the cultural heritage of the state.
Prince Aroloye praised the Governor for his vision to making the state a tourists destination, noting that the council would contribute its quota to the success of the programme.#