Oyo State to Host Tourism Summit Showcasing Opportunities, Investments

On Mar 30, 2024

The Oyo State Government has finalized plans to host the International Tourism Summit 2024 (#ITSOyoState2024) on April 17 and 18, 2024.

The event, a pioneering initiative organized by the newly formed Ministry of Culture and Tourism, seeks to draw both local and international stakeholders to explore tourism prospects and potential investments in the state.

Speaking at a Press Conference held in the Conference Room of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, highlighted Governor Makinde’s dedication to advancing the tourism sector. This commitment was evident from the outset with the issuance of Executive Order no 2 of 2023, which established the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Olatubosun noted that #ITSOyoState2024, to be held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, will serve as a platform to facilitate dialogue, with talks, symposiums, panel discussions, and presentations highlighting areas for collaboration and investment.

The commissioner said the two-day summit is expected to attract representatives from embassies, tourism leaders, financial institutions, and the international community, noting that the government seeks to elevate the state’s tourism industry and drive sustainable economic growth, by showcasing the state’s tourism potential and attracting investors.

“A key feature of the programme that I must highlight is the keynote address which will be delivered by His Excellency titled, “Unlocking the Tourism Potential of Oyo State through Public-Private Development Partner Collaborations”.

“This summit will also give the state the opportunity to, for the first time, award individuals and organisations that have contributed to tourism in Oyo State through a Governor’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony,” the commissioner stated.

He revealed that the government is working with Slvr Wlf Digitale as the communication and marketing partner to ensure that the event runs smoothly, affirming that #ITSOyoState2024 is envisioned as a no-holds-barred- conversation between government and stakeholders.

“It is Oyo State’s way of saying, our doors are wide open for investments in tourism, and we are here to guide investors and make things easier for them within the state. As Nigeria faces economic challenges, one of the key things we have to do is export more and earn more foreign exchange. And this is what we plan to do with this event,” Olatubosun

He added that a committee has been set up for the summit which include, the Commissioner for Finance, Akinola Ojo; Executive Adviser to Governor Makinde on Agribusiness, International Cooperation and Development, Dr Debo Akande; and Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

Others are, Director General, Oyo State Investment and Public Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA), Mr Tilewa Folami; Special Adviser on Socio-Economic Matters, Dr Morohunkola Thomas; and Head of Content Marketing, Slvr Wlf Digitale Ltd, Ms Abigail Anaba.