The Oyo State government is determined to make the state a tourist destination with the necessary infrastructure and security commitments being put in place across the state, to make tourism convenient, safe and memorable.
The State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde stated this while declaring open Ibadan Travel and Tourism Expo 2024 organized by the Oguntoye Twins of “Travel with the Twins” fame.
Declaring the expo open, Governor Seyi Makinde said his administration has created atmosphere for tourism to thrive by enabling hospitality industry to grow such that people now flock the cities and towns in Oyo State to enjoy their money pleasurably.
Represented by the state commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, the Governor said the state is proud to be associated with the Oguntoye Twins considering their contributions to the promotion of tourism in the state, Nigeria and beyond.
Addressing the gathering in the capacity of Chairman of the event, Former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr Yemi Farounbi canvassed for the promotion of everything peculiar to Nigeria with a view to arousing the interest of people around the world to visit the country.
Delivering the keynote address titled, SPOTLIGHT ON OYO STATE: DESTINATION MARKETING AND BRANDING FOR EMERGING ECONOMIES, Prof Wasiu Babalola from Atiba University, Oyo charged government to continue to make deliberate and conscious efforts at promoting the state as a destination for tourism.
The Oguntoye Twins earlier in their welcome remarks noted that the Ibadan Travel and Tourism Expo was aimed at opening up untapped market in Nigeria pointing out the fact that Ibadan alone is blessed with myriad of activities that could make the city a destination for tourists all year round.
In a goodwill message, a cultural promoter, Chief Romoke Ayinde called on parents to be alive to the responsibility of passing down cherished cultural heritage to the young ones to safeguard the culture and traditions from fading away.
Highlights of the event included panel discussion on Building a Career in the Travel and Tourism Industry featuring stakeholders such as Karamat Ajala of the Institute for Information, Arts & Cultural Development in Nigeria, Anago Osho of Association of History, Nature and Culture Tour Guides and Dr Olatokunbo Dagunduro of Skal International Ibadan Club.
Also, a panel discussion on Media Matters: Telling the Tourism Stories and Maximizing Media Exposure moderated by Ambassadors Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye which featured Media Professionals such as Niyi Dahunsi of FRCN Ibadan, Edmund Obilo, Amb. Wale Ojo-Lanre and Chief Jide Ojo among others.
Another panel discussion featuring Former Head, Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, UI, Prof. Stephen Lameed, Representatives of Pangolin Conservation Guild Nigeria, Conservator-General Nigeria National Park Service, Dr Goni Ibrahim Musa, Director General Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Dr Joseph Onoja moderated by Dr Adetola Adetuga from University of Ibadan.
The peak of the discussions featured Culture and Tourism enthusiasts including Princess Folashade Adéyemí of Arewa House of Culture, Oriyomi Pamela Otuka of National Museum of Unity, Ibadan and Olugbenga Omotayo Sunday of Tojum Hospitality.
The event also featured presentation of awards to various stakeholders who have been involved in the promotion, preservation and conservation of tourism indust