The Oyo State Government has announced that it will shortly begin repair work on the roads going to Iyamapo, a Hill in Igbeti that is 2000 meters above sea level.
On September 27, at Igbeti, the administrative center of Olorunsogo Local Government Area, on the occasion of World Tourism Day, Barr. Bayo Lawal, the deputy governor of Oyo State, provided the assurance.
Additionally, he gave the assurance that the Oyo State Government will make investments in the tourism industry in order to draw in local and foreign investors, who would then fuel the State’s efforts to expand its economy.
Lawal further announced that the Igbeti State’s mineral riches would be utilized for development purposes by the government of Governor Seyi Makinde in order to boost the economy.
According to the Deputy Governor, the current administration is committed to repositioning the state’s tourism industry to capitalize on its enormous potential and boost the state’s economy.
Barr. Lawal, who suggested that the resources in the state’s Oke-Ogun zone are sufficient to support the state’s economy, urged investors to support the state’s economic activities by investing in the tourism industry.
“The state government is open to collaboration with investors and relevant stakeholders in fine-tuning plans to harness our potentials”, Lawal said.
He explained that “harnessing the multi-million naira potentials in the state, will be extended to the 168 tourism sites in the State. We will drive world-class tourist sites and urban regeneration work to attract tourists, which will provide gainful means of employment for youth and women”.
Lawal added that this will open more rural areas, like Igbeti, to tourists as the plan includes rehabilitating the road which will take tourists to Iyamapo to see the beauty and access all the other landmarks in the town.
“Oyo State Government will rehabilitate the roads leading to Iyamapo hill, which is one of the tourism potentials in Igbeti. This is part of our commitment to tourism in the State”, he said.
“This will also encourage tourists to visit Agbele hill, Bata erugba and other places and by so doing, they contribute to the growth of the economy,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun said that tourism in the State would be harnessed by the Seyi Makinde led administration.
He called on investors to consolidate the efforts being made by the state government and other stakeholders in calling for growth and development of the tourism sector.
On this year’s theme “Thinking Tourism”, Olatubosun said Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration plans “to promote our heritage as well as other sites”.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Abiodun Oni said Igbeti town, which is rich in both Natural and mineral resources, is begging Government and investors to bim their search light at the huge potentials therein.
He thanked the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration for setting the ball in motion, commending the Governor’s foresight.
The Special Adviser on Tourism, Hon. Akeem Ige said this year’s WTD was moved to Igbeti, so as to promote it and attract investors to the centre.
He said there are enormous potentials in Igbeti to invest in, adding that his office is likewise working on ways to invite investors to the State.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the ocassion, Prince Tunde Odunlade opined that tourism is a commercial organization of holidays, which is vital for the success of many economies in the world.
He corroborated the Deputy Governor’s opinion that Tourism could boost the State’s economy, calling on all stakeholders to play their roles.
Odunlade appealed to the Oyo State Government to provide desirable and enabling environment for tourism to grow in the State.
A Chieftain of Igbeti, Pa. Jacob Adetoro commended the present administration for uniting Igbeti indigenes, by bringing this year’s WTD to the ancient town.
Pa Adetoro said all hands are on deck to promote the rich potentials in Igbeti, saying the indigenes will work with the State Government and all relevant stakeholders.
An highlight of the two-day event was celebration of Cultural night on September 26, 2022 at Igbeti town hall.
The event also witnessed hiking, games, music, and visit to other tourist sites in Igbeti.
