Tourism, first on my agenda-Adeduntan

GUBERNATORIAL candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Oyo State, Dr Azeez Adeduntan, has promised to priotise tourism, if elected in the April elections. Dr Adeduntan made this known last Friday at a press briefing which preceded the kick off of the partys campaign, at its secretariat at Samonda, Ibadan. He added that the neglect on the development and promotion of the revenue-yielding industry was taking its toll on the state.Oyo State is enviably blessed with unique tourist sites, both natural and man-made. Those discovered are not being developed and promoted, let alone discovering new ones. There are relics of old in the state, suffering neglect. These are capable of selling the state to the world, enriching it and its people.The palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, among other ancient palaces in the state, is a good historical tourist site. The development, promotion and exploration of all these would no doubt preserve and promote our heritage, boost the economy of the state, enrich its inhabitants, generate employment opportunities, and place it on the world map of tourism, Adeduntan said.The governorship candidate noted that some countries that had made good fortunes from tourism were not as blessed as Oyo State; yet, we are not making 10 per cent of what they make in a month in two years. Hence, focusing on tourism industry is imperative, for us to gain from its proceeds.He disclosed that his administration would create a good platform for tourism development; sell tourism to the people of the state, especially the youths, making them know its innumerable benefits; develop and promote the sites for exploration, while ensuring security of lives and property, improvement on the states infrastructural facilities, in every part of the state.We have in abundance what both local and foreign tourists are seeking, all we need do is develop and promote them, and create a friendly environment for the tourists. The result of this will be increase in the states Internally Generated Revenue; enrichment of the people in the state; international recognition of the state, and an all-tound development of the state. This, we are committed to achieving for Oyo State within the first one year of our administration by the grace of God, Adeduntan said.
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