By Adebayo Yusuf
Oyo state government has been called upon to use cultural tourism as a spotlight for economic growth.
This was the submission of the keynote speaker, Professor Wasiu Babalola at the Ibadan Travel and Tourism Expo 2024 with the theme “Tourism Kickstart: Maximising Tourism Opportunities for Sustainable Development in Nigeria”.
Professor Babalola while speaking on the topic, “Spotlight On Oyo State: Destination Marketing and Branding for Emerging Economies”, urged the state government to invest more in tourism to attract investors, which would in turn enhance the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.
Professor Babalola equally called on the people to support the government through the promotion of the state’s culture and tourism endowment home and abroad.
In his opening remark, Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun promised to build the state as a tourism destination for tourists and investors.
Earlier, the hosts of Ibadan Travel and Tourism EXPO 2024, Ambassadors Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye, while appreciating guests, said the event is aimed at driving a sustainable tourism sector in Oyo state by bringing together custodians of culture and tourism.
On his part, Chairman of the event, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi called on Nigerians to prioritised visiting the nation’s tourism sites over other country.
President General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Barrister Niyi Ajewole represented by Mr Sulaimon Raufu, General Manager, Pensioners FM, Dr Babatunde Tiamiyu and An Ace Broadcaster, Edmund Obilo were dignitaries present at the event.
The Ibadan Travel & Tourism Expo 2024 had Pensioners’ 106.7FM as one of the Media partners.
