The Oyo state government has said it would soon commence rehabilitation work on the roads leading to Iyamapo, a 2000 metres above sea level Hill in Igbeti town.
The Oyo state deputy governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, gave the assurance during the World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27, at Igbeti, headquarters of Olorunsogo Local Government Area.
He also assured that the Oyo state government would invest in the tourism sector to attract local and international investors, who will in turn drive the state’s economic expansion drive.
Lawal also declared that the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration planned to harness the developmental benefits of the state’s mineral resources in Igbeti, to expand the economy.
The deputy governor said the present administration is determined to reposition the state’s tourism sector with its huge potential, to drive the economy of the state.
Barr. Lawal, who hinted that resources in the Oke-Ogun zone of Oyo state are enough to sustain Oyo state’s economy, therefore, called on investors to help boost the economic activities of the state, through investment in the tourism sector.
“The state government is open to collaboration with investors and relevant stakeholders in fine-tuning plans to harness our potentials”, Lawal said.
He explained that “harnessing the multi-million naira potentials in the state, will be extended to the 168 tourism sites in the State. We will drive world-class tourist sites and urban regeneration work to attract tourists, which will provide gainful means of employment for youth and women”.
Lawal added that this will open more rural areas, like Igbeti, to tourists as the plan includes rehabilitating the road which will take tourists to Iyamapo to see the beauty and access all the other landmarks in the town.
“Oyo state government will rehabilitate the roads leading to Iyamapo hill, which is one of the tourism potentials in Igbeti. This is part of our commitment to tourism in the state”, he said.
“This will also encourage tourists to visit Agbele hill, Bata erugba and other places and by doing so, they contribute to the growth of the economy,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun said that tourism in the State would be harnessed by the Seyi Makinde led administration.
He called on investors to consolidate the efforts being made by the state government and other stakeholders in calling for growth and development of the tourism sector.
