By Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has urged local and international investors to take advantage of the tourism potentials in the state to boost its economy through revenue generation.
He said there were lots of untapped potentials in the tourism sector calling for attention, adding that his administration had put in place policies and legislations to create an enabling environment for investment to thrive.
The governor, speaking yesterday during inspection of the state’s tourism facilities, reiterated his administration’s commitment to revolutionise the tourism sector for economic prosperity.
Fayemi, represented by Arts, Tourism and Culture Commissioner Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare, said plans were on to make Ekiti economically viable and an epicentre of development through huge investment in tourism and entertainment.
He said: “The essence of our identification of tourism facilities is to show the world the potentials this state has for tourism. You have seen the depth of what we have. What is left is for investors to come in and do business with the state.
“It is good to build filling stations and hotels, but tourism sites, when invested in, can give you what petrol stations and running a hotel cannot give you.
“We are calling on domestic and foreign investors to come to Ekiti and do tourism business with us. The message is simple, if your ambition is to make money, come to Ekiti. We have a lot for you to key into and make money.
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“We have Arinta Waterfall, Ero Dam, Fajuyi Amusement Park, Ikogosi Warm Spring, and the Civic Centre edifice, which contains the cinemas, art theatre, gallery and other facilities. I don’t know where something like our civic centre is in Nigeria, except the National Theatre in Lagos.
“In the next couple of months, Ekiti will be the hub of entertainment. This is why we are calling on potential investors to come in now and key into what we are doing in Ekiti State.
“The crime rate here is close to nothing. There are many destinations the world over with serious security issues and people still go there. But, in Ekiti, you can attest to the fact that the security operatives are almost on vacation, because there is little or nothing for them to do in terms of chasing criminals. We thank God for the peace we enjoy in the state, which is an added value to the tourism business.
“Ekiti people are warm people. They receive and take care of people. It is one state that solves the problems of other people, irrespective of where they come from. The Ekiti naturally have the nature to receive and take care of people and that is the fundamental of tourism.”
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