By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun has advocated partnership with media houses and relevant organisations in promoting and exploring tourism potentials in the state.
Dr Olatubosun made the call during a corporate tour of media organizations, security outfits and the Pacesetters Transport Services in the state.
The Commissioner said the tour is part of the Oyo State government’s efforts in the sustainable pursuit of Tourism drive for the Oyo State, through propagation, promotion and publicizing the Cultural-Tourism activities of the government.
He stressed that the state has over one hundred and sixty eight tourism sites, including Ado Awaye Suspended Lake; Old Oyo National Park; Rock formation, Agbele; Igbeti; Captain Bowers Tower; Agodi Garden; Akoru and Ofere Hills, Eruwa.
According to the Commissioner, some cultural centres are the Igbo Ologun, named after the ancient warrior of Saki land, the Basaori stream that history said used to lend those in need clothes and jewelries, the aluminum pot casting industry, the shea butter industry and the local blacksmith industry.
Proposing that collaboration with media houses in the areas of tourism and cultural promotion would further strengthen the relationship with the country, the Commissioner said the infrastructural development projects embarked on by the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde have added value to tourism expansion in the State.
Dr Olatubosun maintained that this has opened up interconnectivity of road networks to the various geopolitical zones in the State, leading to an astronomical influx of tourists in the past four years of this administration.
Expressing the willingness of the state government to partner with prospective investors, adding that the present administration is ready to introduce policies that would promote rapid investment in the sector.
The Commissioner and his team visited the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Agidigbo FM, Oyo State security outfit, Operation Burst; and Pacesetters Transport Services.
In his response, the Chairman of Agidigbo, 88.7 f.m Mr. Oriyomi Hamzat gave the assurance of his unflinching support to the ministry.
Also, the Executive Chairperson, BCOS, Mrs. Dotun Olaitan commended the Ministry for its remarkable programs within the time the Ministry was created.
Similarly, the Chairman, Oyo State Pacesetters Transportation Services, Hon. Dr. Ibraheem Dikko, said, having established the Transportation System as an essential mobility factor in the sustainable development and growth of the state, the corporation will work out a common ground with the ministry.
