By Suleiman Shehu
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State
The Guild of Tourism Journalists in Nigeria (GTJN), has lauded Gov. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti for his tourism initiatives, policy and determination to develop the sector in the state.
The Secretary of the Guild, Remi Oladoye, said in a statement said that the efforts of the governor barely a month in office toward enhancement of Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and bringing Ikogosi Ekiti back to global excellence and international reckoning, was laudable.
“We members of this Association are proud of your tourism initiatives, policy and determination to develop the tourism sector, not only by words of mouth, but by deeds,” Oladoye said.
According to him, we are glad that Gov. Biodun Oyebanji has made tourism development the sixth sectoral policy of his government.
“This is not only cheering, but hope-laden news for both tourism practitioners in the state and also for the numerous tourism sites in Ekiti.
“The Guild of Tourism Journalists in Nigeria is the only tourism association in Nigeria which has an unmitigated interest in the development of the tourism sector in Ekiti in particular and in Nigeria in general.”
“I must bring to the memory the part played by this association during the pre and post-restoration of Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, Ikogosi Ekiti in 2012 under the first tenure of Dr Kayode Fayemi, when the association mobilised its members in highlighting in sequential order, the restoration, inauguration and post-inauguration of the rehabilitated Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort.
“And, we never kept our mouths shut when the Resort was abused and neglected,” Oladoye said.
He said that the guild members were glad that Oyebanji was not only making politics out of his tourism policy, but “has taken the first step of conviction by concessions Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort to a world-class company.”
Oladoye said that this would turn Ikogosi into “an eldorado of heavenly bliss and wonderful destination once again”.
He described Ekiti as “a paragon of numerous tourism potentialities only waiting to be tapped and cultivated for empowerment, employment, revenue generation and development.”
Oladoye assured the governor that the guild was ready to form a synergy of purpose with your government as part of its development journalism ethos.
“You have displayed a robust sense of tourism-friendly posture, consider us as your partner in the progress and advancement of tourism in Ekiti State,” he said. (NAN)
