Gov. Oyebanji hails NATOP on remarkable 2023 AGM in Ekiti, backs group with N5m

[By VICTOR NZE]

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has congratulated the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) on the group’s choice of Ekiti State as destination for the 7^th edition of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) which held from July 13 to 16, 2023 and gathered the industry’s top players.

The four-day AGM which also served as platform to promote Ekiti State as a major tourists’ destination in the country, saw tour operators visit some attractions including eco-tourism destinations and agri-tourism sites, spread across the state.

Highlight event, the NATOP Tourism Seminar/Conference, had held Friday, July 14, at the Bimbo Owolabi Hall of the Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), where Governor Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on Industry, Trade & Investment, Mrs Omotayo Adeola, had urged investors to capitalize on the growing tourism industry in the state, which he said offers exceptional opportunities for doing business in the state.

Oyebanji has urged investors to consider mining the state’s untapped tourism potential, which he said offers ‘a plethora of investment opportunities for entrepreneurs.’

According to Mr. Oyebanji, Ekiti offers an abundance of human and natural resources, good governance, enabling environment, innovative economy, high literacy rate, as well as, inclusive government policy for investors seeking to do business in the state.

“In Ekiti State, this is a region brimming with untapped potential in the tourism sector. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historical significance, it offers a plethora of investment opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking to capitalize on the growing tourism industry,” Oyebanji said.

Since his inauguration on May 29, this year, Governor Oyebanji has paid close attention to tourism business of the state, effectively deploying policies aimed at growing the sector, by first detaching it from the mix of arts and culture to create a stand-alone ministry for it.

He subsequently established the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, a specialized agency tasked with formulating and executing strategies to maximize the potential of the sector.

Meanwhile, reacting to the just-concluded NATOP AGM, Oyebanji appreciated NATOP for the honour, just as he also announced a donation of the sum of N5 million on behalf of the State Government to support the activities of the association towards promoting Ekiti as a tourist’s destination in the country, as well as driving investment opportunities in the state.

Oyebanji who recognised NATOP’s ‘exceptional achievement during its AGM and Conference I the state, said it also showcased the destination’s ‘immense potential in the tourism sector and its commitment to fostering growth and development.’

The Governor further lauded NATOP’s remarkable achievements during the conference and commended their dedication to the growth of tourism in Nigeria, while expressing the government’s willingness to collaborate with associations like NATOP to further boost the tourism industry in Ekiti State.

“With the generous support of the Ekiti State Government and the commitment of NATOP and other stakeholders, there is a growing confidence that Ekiti State will transform into a prime destination for tourists, investors, and enthusiasts alike.

“The successful conclusion of the 2023 AGM/ Tourism Conference marks a significant milestone in the journey towards elevating Ekiti State’s tourism industry,” Oyebanji remarked.

Responding, NATOP, through its National President, Mrs Ime Udo conveyed the group’s ‘sincerest appreciation for the government’s contribution,’ expressing hope for a stronger alliance that will work towards realizing the state’s immense tourism potential and promoting it to the global community.

“As both parties look forward to harnessing future opportunities and partnerships, they are optimistic about solidifying Ekiti State’s place on the world map as a premier tourism destination,” Udo said.

It would be recalled that Governor Oyebanji whiole featuring as Keynote Speaker at the NATOOP Conference/Seminar stated that by centralizing efforts and expertise, he is aiming to elevate Ekiti’s tourism industry to new heights, attracting both domestic and international visitors, in addition to creating sustainable economic opportunities for the people of the state.

The governor who is also credited with repositioning the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort destination by concessioning the facility to a private investor for proper management, a move considered strategic by stakeholders, said it ensures that the destination receives the necessary expertise and investment to enhance its offerings and attract more tourists.

A similar policy was also taken by the governor for the Arinta Waterfalls in Ipole Iloro-Ekiti, as the facility is being managed by another private firm.

Both the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and the Arinta Waterfalls are located on the same Ekiti tourism corridor or axis in the hilly south and south-west regions of the state.

Reeling out the state’s nature and eco-tourism destinations, Governor Oyebanji said tourists’ attractions and famed spots include; the Ikogosi warm Springs to the Arinta waterfalls, among others, as he further urged tour operators and other investors to ‘capitalise on developing eco-tourism resorts, and others’ in the state.

According to him, investors can also explore such opportunities as ‘establishing well-equipped campsites, hiking trails, and guided tours to explore the state’s immersive experience.’

“From the enchanting Arinta Waterfall to the majestic Ikogosi Warm Springs, investors can capitalize on developing eco-friendly resorts, nature trails, and adventure parks, by establishing well-equipped campsites, hiking trails, and guided tours to explore the state’s immersive experience,” said the governor.

Ekiti is home to some of the country’s best known eco-tourism attractions. The region of Iyin-Ekiti alone is home to the Abanijorin Caves and Mountains, in addition to the Esa Cave.

In Ikere-Ekiti, there are the Olosunta Mountain, the Ugele Cave and the Igbo Eleruru Cave; while the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort in Ikogosi;  the Mountain of Clouds is sited in Efon Alaaye, Okudi Mountain and Igori Rock in Awo-Ekiti, Egbe Dam in Egbe-Ekiti, Aga Spring in Iro-Ekiti.

Others include; the Lord Lugard Colonial Boundary Pillars in Odo Awa-Ekiti, the famous Palm Tree with 42 Heads in Ilogbo-Ekiti; the Iho Oloko Cave and the Aga Spring in Iro-Ekiti.

For investors opting for the state’s cultural tourism sub-sector, Oyebanji urged them to ‘consider partnering with local communities in order to develop cultural tourism projects.’

According to the governor, these opportunities abound in heritage museums, art centers, and cultural festivals, and others.

“Supporting local artisans and craftsmen by creating marketplaces for traditional crafts, textiles, and artworks can also be an attractive investment opportunity,” he said.

Continuing, Oyebanji said Ekiti’s cultural tourism offering features such crowd gathering events like the; Udiroko Festival, Ogun Festival, Olosunta Festival, Ekiti Parapo Festival, Iyemero Festival.

“In the arts and craft industry, the state offers tourists the pots from Ipoti Ekiti, mats from Ogotun Ekiti. Also, tourists can visit destinations like the fajuyi Memorial Park, or see the Aso-Ofi.

In the area of agriculture, the governor said Ekiti State offers what he described as ‘vast investment potential in agri-tourism,’ which, according to him, presents veritable opportunities ‘where visitors can participate in farm activities, learn about organic farming practices, and experience the authentic rural lifestyle.’

“Establishing agro-resorts, farm-to-table restaurants, and organizing agri-tours would provide visitors with a unique agricultural experience while promoting sustainable farming practices,” he stressed.

“There is the Ikun Dairy farm, the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ), the Ikogosi Yam Market, the Egbe Dam, Ero Dam, and the Ekiti State University (EKSU) Teaching and Research Farm.

Governor Oyebanji further urged investors to consider the Ekiti as a viable investment platform in tourism development, just as he expressed his appreciation to NATOP for recognising the state as veritable destination.

Governor Oyebanji extended an invitation to tour operators to participate in the forthcoming cultural tourism events slated for August, this year.