The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said efforts are in top gear to harness the potentials of the state’s tourism sector towards the successful implementation of his administration Building Our Future Together mantra.
The Governor said this during the celebration of the 42nd edition of World Tourism Day ,organised by the State’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, with the theme, “Tourism and Jobs: A Better Future for All”, held at the June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Abiodun stated that, apart from the fact that Ogun State owns interesting artefacts and historic sites, the numerous and long-lasting tourist centres and businesses across the State have continued to contribute immensely to the economy of our State, adding that since the inception of his administration, structures have been put in place to support tourist activities.
The State’s helmsman noted that, his administration was committed to developing all sectors of the economy and support all enterprises that have positive impact on the economy, saying, tourism is an important pillar in good governance.
In her speech, wife of the State Governor and the Special Guest of Honour, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, said tourism should be given priority, being a source of revenue in the country and a means of employment generation, enjoining youths to key into job opportunities inherent in the tourism sector.
Chairman, House Committee on Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Yusuff Adejojo, disclosed that the State and Country are endowed with numerous potentials, which if given attention and prominence would go a long way at tackling the problem of unemployment in the State and Country at large.
Earlier in her welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism , Alhaja Selimot Ottun, stated that the essence of the World Tourism Day was to support changes in policy, business practices and tourism behaviour towards attaining a more sustainable tourism and hospitality sector.