By Omololu Olumuyiwa
The Executive Governor of Ekiti state, Mr. Abiodun Oyebanji hosted the National Leadership of Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) led by the National President, Mrs Ime Udoh and Vice President, NATOP (South West), Otunba Michael Balogun at the Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti today.
Governor Abiodun Oyebanji speaking during the meeting held with Executives of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) today
NATOP, a body devoted to developmental issues such as polices, advocacy, promotion, and marketing as well as development of tour destinations and attractions led by the National President are in Ado Ekiti to meet with the Executive governor towards Ekiti State Hosting of the association annual general meeting scheduled for 13th – 15th July, 2023.
Governor Oyebanji while welcoming the NATOP team disclosed that his administration is committed towards providing enabling environment for investment in tourism and this is visible with the development at Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort.
4th from left; Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Abiodun Oyebanji flanked on the right by National President, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Mrs. Ime Udoh and on the left, Vice President, NATOP (South West), Otunba Michael Balogun with the government officials and members of the EKSG-NATOP 2023 Local Organising Committee shortly after the meeting today.
He stated further that to ensure sustainability and efficiency in his administration realization of Tourism Development, he has decided to separate Tourism from the Ministry of Art, Culture and Tourism.
Oyebanji disclosed that Tourism will now be a dedicated bureau which will be referred to as Bureau of Tourism Development with a dedicated Director General who will be reporting directly to him.
“I have understudied states that have a dedicated Bureau of Tourism Development and sent the framework to Ekiti State Ministry of Justice for adoption and implementation for the state” Oyebanji said.
The Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Abiodun Oyebanji exchanging complimentary card with the National President, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Mrs. Ime Udoh shortly after the meeting today.
Earlier in her speech, the National President, NATOP, Mrs Ime Udoh said, “NATOP push for Ekiti State for the hosting of the 2023 AGM is just a way to promote investment opportunities for Ekiti State”.
“It is also an avenue to showcase Ekiti state tourism potentials and also promote domestic tourism as a whole in Nigeria. Ekiti State is ripe for ecotourism, wellness and active tourism not forgetting the cultural heritage”, Udoh concluded.
The Governor assured the NATOP team of the state acceptance for the 2023 AGM and gave the Committee two weeks ultimatum to give him a road-map for a successful hosting of the event.
In attendance at the meeting are Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, Trade & Industry, Hon. Mrs. Tayo Adeola; Director General, Ekiti State Development & Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), Mr. Ayo Aribidara; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Art, Culture & Tourism, Mr. Dele Ogunsemoyin and Director of Tourism Ministry of Art, Culture & Tourism, Mr. Banji Adelusi.
Also in the meeting are Director, Corporate Affairs & Documentation, Pastor Tunde Akinwumi; Director of Culture, Mr Abdul Adoje; NATOP Ekiti State Coordinator, Mr. Jide Fajuyi; members of the EKSG-NATOP 2023 Local Organising Committee, Michael Peculiar Ekiran, Erelu Funmi Rotiba and other leading tour operators in Ekiti State.
