Makinde Hosts NBA Members, Explains Tourism’s Role In Nigeria’s GDP Growth
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
IBADAN – In a bid to boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has spotlighted tourism as a potent tool for driving domestic value addition.
Governor Makinde who played host to members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) specialized in business and tourism law at the Government House in Ibadan, the Capital City of Oyo State emphasized the need for Nigeria to shift from being a net importer to a net exporter, with tourism playing a pivotal role in achieving the goal.
Governor Makinde who was represented at the dinner organized for the NBA members by his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, Governor Makinde, stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to shape investment in the tourism industry and ensure alignment with national economic goals.
In his words, Makinde said, “We are committed to creating a conducive environment that not only welcomes investors but also guarantees the safety and sustainability of their businesses and investments.”
The Governor pointed to a growing interest from investors in sectors such as agribusiness, tourism, and technology assuring that Oyo state has factored into its sustainable economic plan, issues that may constitute concerns regarding their business interests.
He urged the lawyers to become active participants in Oyo State’s economic transformation by transforming the outcome of their deliberation and findings into a strong recommendations for the state government, assuring that government will in turn transmit such recommendations to a working documents going forward.
He said the state has made a deliberate efforts to ensure Oyo is open for business by improving infrastructure, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, and strengthening legal institutions to protect investments.
He called on the NBA members to endeavor to visit some of the tourist sites and the road network connecting such locations to the city to form part of a robust appraisal of the ongoing efforts to position Oyo state as a big money investment destination globally.
In her remarks, Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice A. L Akintola, suggested that the round table should result in an explosion in tourism as an industry in this state.
Earlier in her address, the leader of the delegation, Mrs. Chinneye Oragwu, said the focus was to change prosperity of tourism, travel and hospitality to a year long success through government actions on their recommendations.
”At the main event that will be coming up themed, “repositioning Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sectors from seasonal hype to sustainable prosperity”, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun would be the guest speaker, and all our deliberations will be made available for the government to work upon so we can drive the economy of this country through tourism and hospitality sector, we will ensure our deliberations didn’t end on the shelf, we shall out it forward to the proper authority for effective use.”
Chienye Oragwu, expressed satisfaction for the warm reception and hospitality upon arrival in the state capital, She lauded Governor Makinde led administration for its proactive governance and openness to collaboration.
Chienye commended Makinde’s approach to what was described as a transformative governance and affirmed the body’s willingness to support initiatives that promote hospitality, tourism, and economic development as well as legal integrity.
In his welcome address, Dr Morounkola Thomas charged the visiting lawyers to make good use of their stay in the state by bringing forward contributions that will contribute to the development of tourism and hospitality sector in the state.
The sinner was attended by the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon.Adebo Ogundoyin represented by his deputy, Hon.Mohammed Fadeyi, the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, members of the state Executive Council, CCII President General, Barrister Adeniyi Ajewole, the Special Adviser on Media and Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, among others.