Mr. Olugbenga Omotayo Sunday
The Initiator of Ibarapa Tourism Agenda (ITA), an award winning hospitality consultant and organiser of Hotel Managers Conference (HMC), Mr. Olugbenga Omotayo Sunday has lauded Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde on his plan to create a stand alone Ministry of Tourism.
Sunday in a chat with Travelscope Magazine stated that Governor Makinde has embarked on the journey of fulfilling his promise during the World Tourism Day 2020 celebration held in Idere to develop tourist sites and make tourism another source of generating revenue for the state.
“I am optimistic that the tourism agenda of Governor Seyi Makinde will be productive, the announcement on the creation of the stand alone ministry of tourism is a clear indication of the governor’s determination to further showcased Oyo state on the global tourism map”, Sunday said.
The hospitality expert, Sunday stated further “The creation of the ministry will fast-track Oyo State Government promise to bring meaningful development to the touristic essence of Idere town through the strategic development of Idere Hills to promote domestic tourism in Ibarapa and the state at large”.
He stated further, “Idere Hills is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Nigeria. Idere is a place you will enjoy the sights and sound of a unique ecosystem upon which the various cultural sites revolve around, among which are the Onidere ancient Palace, Fish Lake, Aroye Hill Atapa Water, 600 years old defence wall, Iyara Walls, Natural swimming pool and so on”.
He added, “Tourists from all corners of the world can be attracted here if these sites are properly developed and presented to them. It is good we now have a government that appreciates the need to develop the potential of Idere Hills as a tourist centre and we are looking forward to the improvements and the publicity necessary to put Idere on the tourism map of the world.”
Sunday however, appealed to the people of Idere and Oyo State to continue to support every initiative and efforts of the government towards the development of the state and her economy through the ministry to be created.
“Tourism is a great engine for economic and social development as it creates an avenue to generate new jobs, attract investments and develop local communities”, Sunday concluded.
