Ekiti and Oyo tourism leaders agree to collaborate on tourism development, aiming to boost both states’ economies and Nigeria’s tourism
In a significant move towards fostering inter-state tourism collaboration, the Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Amb. Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq.,
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recently visited the Oyo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Hon. Wasiu Olatunbosun, at his office in the Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
This engagement underscores a shared vision to leverage tourism as an economic driver for both states.
Amb. Ojo-Lanre commended the efforts of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for creating a conducive environment for the tourism sector to thrive.
He noted that both Governor Makinde and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, are visionary leaders dedicated to harnessing the full potential of tourism to fuel economic growth.
Highlighting Oyo State’s impressive strides in tourism, Amb. Ojo-Lanre praised Hon. Olatunbosun for his role in promoting the state’s rich cultural heritage and tourism assets, positioning Oyo as one of Nigeria’s leading tourism destinations.
He pointed out that the tourism and hospitality sector contributes significantly to the state’s revenue, accounting for over 35% through levies, taxes, and fees paid by hotels, resorts, restaurants, event centres, and travel agencies.
Amb. Ojo-Lanre also shared exciting news about Ekiti State’s tourism progress. He revealed that Ekiti’s Tourism Policy has been finalised with the support of Governor Oyebanji, and the Ekiti State Tourism Development Master Plan is moving forward swiftly.
These plans aim to provide a structured approach for sustainable growth in tourism, ensuring that Ekiti continues to build on its potential as a tourist destination.
In return, Hon. Olatunbosun acknowledged the rapid transformation of Ekiti’s tourism landscape under Amb. Ojo-Lanre’s leadership.
He commended the Director General for his vast expertise as a tourism journalist, seasoned traveller, and legal professional, which has played a key role in establishing Ekiti as a rising tourism powerhouse.
The Commissioner also stressed the importance of collaboration between Oyo and Ekiti in promoting their shared tourism goals. He highlighted Oyo’s ongoing efforts to gain UNESCO recognition for its historic Sango Festival, a milestone that would showcase Oyo’s cultural importance on the global stage.
He further revealed that his ministry has formed a partnership with the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and is working on regulating and sanitising the hotel and hospitality industry to ensure higher standards and compliance.
As the meeting concluded, both tourism leaders agreed to strengthen their collaboration and work together on tourism branding and promotion.
Their shared vision for tourism development focuses on harnessing culture and tourism to drive economic transformation, regional integration, and sustainable growth.
This engagement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between Ekiti and Oyo States, one that promises to not only elevate the tourism industries in both states but also contribute significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s overall tourism landscape.
Through this collaboration, the two states are poised to unlock new opportunities for economic development, job creation, and cultural preservation.
