State of Osun Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Saturday, restated his administration's commitment to prioritising tourism for huge economic gains and rapid development of the State.
This is also as the Governor disclosed plans by the administration to build a world-class museum and cultural Centre in the State.
Oyetola assured that his government is fully aware of the abundant opportunities inherent in the preservation and promotion of the State's heritage and tourism.
He said government is resolved to prioritise the tourism sector as one of the economic pillars to drive the State's economy.
He described as huge the contributions of culture and tourism infrastructure to the economic development of the State and as a foreign exchange earner, adding that government would leave no stone unturned to ensure that such contributions are maximally harnessed.
The Governor, who spoke during the 2020 Olojo Festival held in the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II,
disclosed that the administration was already making stringent efforts to build a sustainable tourism industry in the State through collaboration with local and international partners, some of whom had indicated intentions to collaborate with the government, following the convocation of the Osun Economic and Investment Summit held in November last year.
"A few weeks ago, a team of investors and financial Institutions visited the State and were impressed by its enormous human, cultural and natural resources after going round some of our tourist attractions.
"They have therefore expressed their willingness and strong commitment to develop our tourism attractions to World Class Destinations. We are vigorously pursuing these potential investors to ensure that our dream of making Osun a tourism and investment haven is achieved.
"To further show our commitment to the preservation and promotion of our roots, Ile-Ife, the State Government has decided to establish a unique and World Class edifice – the Yoruba Museums And Heritage Centre – to showcase our unique culture, tradition, heritage and experiences to the globe and create a huge market for the State.
"We are happy to have an Ooni who shares our dream that Olojo Festival should be of tourist and commercial values and not a mere avenue for celebrations and merry making," Governor Oyetola added.
The Governor was accompanied to the event by the Chairman, State of Osun All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Gboyega Famodun; the Chief Whip, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Tunde Olatunji; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Obawale Adebisi; Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Tajudeen Lawal; Commissioner for Education, Mr. Folorunso Bamisayemi; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Yemi Lawal; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Jamiu Olawumi, among others.