By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Osun State government has revealed plans to grow the state economy through tourism.
Governor Adegboyega Oyetola said tourism is one of the pillars to create wealth and massive employment for residents in the state.
He made the assertion in Osogbo the state capital at the maiden edition of the year 2021 World Tourism Day celebration with the theme” Tourism for Inclusive Growth: The Osun State perspective”.
He noted that his administration has been working tirelessly to grow and build the economy of the state round tourism as it is applicable in some foreign countries of the world.
Oyetola, who spoke through the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Obawale Adebisi, noted that there are potentials in Osun which if properly tapped, can be a veritable source of revenue for the state and there by reducing poverty among the people of the state.
Dr. Obawale further explained that government has engaged partners especially investors on short term development such as Ayikunnugba waterfall, Oluminrin waterfall, Owala Dam and a host of others, for developmental purposes.
He used the opportunity to highlight some of the achievements of the state government such as launch of Vision 30-30, launch of wearing of a locally made fabric known as “Adire Osun” with the intention to revive the dying culture of Yoruba and grow the economy without necessarily waiting for federal government monthly allocation.
The Ila Orangun born politician therefore appealed to the people of Osun to collaborate with the government so that, its dream could come to pass.
Earlier in his opening speech, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Amoo Adebowale said tourism is a dynamic and competitive industry that requires the ability to adapt constantly to customers’ changing needs and desires, as the customer’s satisfaction, safety and enjoyment are particularly the focus of tourism business.
He added that, the industry has become a very significant engine for economic and sustainable growth in many countries, stressing that it is necessity for development, diversification of the Nigeria economy, most especially, the Osun State economy and creation of jobs.
Chief Adebowale further stated that the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic had a massive social and economic impact on the world and ourism industry is not excluded, saying with the advent of the COVID-19 vaccines and observing other protocols, the tourism is coming back and picking up globally.
He admonished all the stakeholders to cooperate with government to contribute meaningfully to the growth of tourism in Osun State.
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