By Precious Oluwole

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has said that his administration is dedicated to advancing the state’s tourism prospects through collaborations with relevant agencies and individuals.

Governor Aiyedatiwa gave the assurance on Tuesday while playing host to the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John and her entourage during a visit, in his office, in Alagbaka Akure.

Expressing his gratitude for the Minister’s visit, Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed the paramount importance of collaborative efforts in unlocking the full potential of Ondo State’s tourism sector.

The governor said; “Tourism holds immense promise as a catalyst for economic development in our state, and we are committed to leveraging partnerships to maximize its impact. Our state boasts a wealth of enchanting attractions, from the iconic Idanre Hills, the longest coast line in Ilaje, to the pristine shores of Araromi Beach, these treasures serve as the foundation for our tourism aspirations, and we are steadfast in our resolve to harness their potential for foreign attractions”

Emphasizing the economic imperative of tourism, Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s dedication to positioning Ondo State as a hub for tourism investment and development.

He said “By investing strategically in our tourism infrastructure, we can create employment opportunities, drive revenue generation, and propel socio-economic progress,”

“Tourism represents one of the gateways to prosperity for our state, and we are eager to explore avenues for collaboration with the federal government to realize this vision.” He added

Earlier in her remarks, Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, noted that she led her team to visit the governor with the aim of initiating discussions on how to engage the state in tourism efforts and attract investors.

Ade-John highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s fervent advocacy for tourism, as outlined in his “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

She conveyed their purpose of seeking support from the Ondo State government and expressed a desire to foster a cooperative partnership with the state for the advancement of tourism initiatives.

“It is widely acknowledged that President Bola Tinubu holds a profound dedication to the advancement of tourism, a sentiment that resonates strongly within his “Renewed Hope Agenda.” The president is deeply enthusiastic about tourism, and we’re exploring ways to generate revenue for the country through tourism initiatives. We’re committed to providing all the support we can offer to make this vision a reality”

“Our aspiration is to cultivate a symbiotic relationship, characterized by mutual cooperation and shared objectives, as we endeavor to become steadfast partners in Ondo State’s journey towards realizing its tourism aspirations” she added

Also in attendance, Secretary to the state government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Chairman SUBEB, Victor Olabitan, SA on information and strategy, Gbenga Omole, SSA on broadcast communications, Dapo Aruwajoye, SA on political matters, Smart Omodunbi Jnr.