Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reiterated that Oyo State is a destination that offers immense potential for investment and tourism.
Speaking at a dinner hosted for members of the NBA Section on Business Law at the Government House on Friday, the Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, highlighted the state’s diverse investment opportunities that can contribute to its economic growth and development.
While tourism is a significant sector, the Governor emphasized that infrastructure development is crucial to driving tourism growth. He cited the ongoing 110km circular road project that will enhance road network connectivity and capture tourist centers.
Barr. Lawal noted that the state government is committed to infrastructure development, electrification, and security.
He said, “All the streets within the metropolis of Ibadan are being lit up, attracting investors and promoting businesses.
“Oyo State is the first in the southwest to promote Amotekun, strengthening our security architecture and giving assurance to potential investors.”
The Governor urged the NBA members to provide suggestions on how to shape investment in tourism, emphasizing that Nigeria must leverage tourism to generate more revenue.
He also urged them to visit the state’s tourist sites, including the suspended lake at Ado-Awaye and other cultural heritage sites.
“Your visit to Oyo State is apposite, and we believe collaboration will yield mutual benefits for all parties involved,” the Governor said.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the NBA Section on Business Law, Mrs. Chinenye Oragwu, appreciated the government for hosting them and noted that their duty is to engage with stakeholders to promote the tourism sector.
She mentioned that their roundtable discussion would feature experts and stakeholders discussing “Repositioning Nigeria’s Tourism and Hospitality Sector from Seasonal Hype to Sustainable Prosperity.”
Mrs. Oragwu noted that the media edition of the tourism retreat and roundtable discussion was held in October 2024 in Abeokuta, where the Commissioner for Tourism was the guest speaker, and a memorandum of understanding was signed.
She explained that their visit to Ibadan was due to the state’s rich history, hospitality, and good relation.
Mrs. Oragwu however commended Seyi Makinde, describing him as an “action governor” for the good hospitality.
She added that tourism is a key sector for growing Nigeria’s GDP, and her team would tour the city and tourist sites in the state.
The representative of the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice A.L Akintola expressed delight in being among the members of the bar, noting that the Deputy Governor is a respected member.
He encouraged the guests to mingle, emphasizing that tourism is a viable source of economic prosperity.
Akintola highlighted Ibadan’s population as an index for tourism growth and mentioned several tourist attractions in the state, including the Ikere gauge dam and suspended lake, which could transform the state’s economy.
Among government functionaries at the event included the Oyo Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi; Head of Service, Chief (Mrs) Olubunmi Oni; Deputy Chief of Staff, Fola Oyekunke, Oyo Judge representative, Akintola, Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Professor Adelabu Soliu; Commissioner for Energy, Daood Sangodoyin; Commissioner for lands, Akin Funmilayo; Chairman of BCOS, DG OYMASED, Dr. Morohunkola Thomas; DG OYSIPA, Mr Tilewa Folami; BCOS Chair person, Mrs Dotun Olaitan, Chief Press Secretary, Sulaiman Olanrewaju, and host of others.
