The Oyo State Government has said that its first international tourism summit 2024 tagged #ITSOyoState2024 is geared towards unveiling the tourism potentials of the state to local and foreign investors for investment opportunities.
It noted that the summit will equally showcase the state’s tourism endowments and potential to the world.
Addressing a pre-event press conference held at the Press Briefing Room of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and chairperson of the International Tourism Summit Planning Committee, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, said the summit aligned with the vision of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde to incorporate tourism as one of the planks for expanding the economy of the state.
Olatubosun said that the 2-day international summit will hold between April 17 and 18, 2024 at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan.
He added that the summit will equally bring together local and international tourism stakeholders to see the opportunities in the state with a view to investing in the state.
He noted that the international tourism summit, which is the first of its kind, would feature talks, symposiums, panel discussions and various presentations that will showcase the opportunities that government is ready to partner with investors and also recognise individuals and organisations that have contributed to tourism in Oyo State.
He said: “So, we have invited you here today to formally announce to you, the gentlemen and ladies of the press, that something big is about to happen in Ibadan.
“You will recall that between 2019 and 2023, His Excellency Seyi Makinde, FNSE, worked with the Oyo State Roadmap for Accelerated Development. As the name of that manifesto suggested, His Excellency concentrated on accelerated development through various projects.
He especially worked on creating linkages across all zones. His actions then were preparatory.
“Now, we have Omituntun 2.0, and it is time for sustainable development. In his vision of continued prosperity for Oyo State, His Excellency has expanded the means through which it will grow its economy. One of the new sectors added is tourism.
“You will recall that in October last year, His Excellency issued Executive Order No 2 of 2023, through which he decoupled the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and created the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. That was the first signal that he was prepared to take tourism in Oyo State to the next level.
“And now, His Excellency has approved that we host the first International Tourism Summit 2024 tagged #ITSOyoState2024. This event will be held here in Ibadan on Wednesday, 17, and Thursday, April 18, 2024.
“This first-of-its-kind event will bring together local and international tourism stakeholders to come and see the tourism opportunities in Oyo State with a view to investing in the State.”
The Commissioner also enjoined interested members of the public to access the programme and register on the website through https://tourism.oyostate.gov.ng/itsoyostate2024/.
Also speaking, Head of Content Marketing, Slvr Wlf Digitale Limited, Ms Abigail Anaba, said the tourism summit would have exhibition for micro, small and large investors, local artisans, beauticians, architects and technicians, among others.
She added that the event is also meant to attract investors who will develop the state’s tourist sites to international standards.
In their separate remarks, the Director General, Oyo State Investment and Public Private Partnership Agency, Mr Tilewa Folami and Special Adviser on Socio-Economic Matters, Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, said the tourism summit would create more employment opportunities and provide jobs for the teeming youths and the general public as well add more value and impact to the economy of the state.
Other members of the committee are the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akinola Ojo; Executive Adviser on Agribusiness, International Cooperation and Development, Dr Debo Akande and the Special Adviser on Media/Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.