Leyoo Ajeokun
The Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre has urged Corp Members to key into tourism for economic development as solution to unemployment.
This was his message to the Corp Members when the DG and his team yesterday visited the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Ise-Ekiti.
The team was received by the camp commandant, Alh. Riko Abdullahi Shuaibu.
The visit according to the DG was aimed at” promoting tourism and educate the corps members on the numerous benefits of tourism in Nigeria.”
Ambassador Ojo-Lanre was accompanied by his team members, including Michael Peculiar, Special Assistant on Tourism Development, and Dolapo Adewumi, Tourism Officer, along with two corps members serving at the Bureau of Tourism, Mariam Ajibola and Udensi Bernard.
The session commenced with Michael Peculiar Ekiran introducing the team to the corps members. Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre then addressed the corps members, where he highlighted the significant role of tourism in Nigeria’s development.
Ojo-Lanre shared an inspiring story from his time as a journalist, recounting an experience at the Argungu Fishing Festival.
He described how a corps member who invested ₦150,000 in a fish-shaped carved pen casing made from bamboo during the festival earned over ₦4 million in profit. This success story emphasized the untapped potential of tourism in Nigeria, encouraging corps members to explore tourism opportunities and not lose hope.
“Tourism is a viable sector for economic empowerment, and I urge you, the corps members, to work together with the Bureau to help develop and promote tourism in Nigeria,” Ojo-Lanre said.
He further highlighted the impact that corps members can have in promoting tourism and contributing to its progress, both locally and nationally.
Udensi Bernard, one of the corps members serving at the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism, shared his personal experiences of learning about the rich cultural heritage of the state and how his Primary Place of Assignment (PPA) has exposed him to the opportunities available in the tourism sector, including meeting top tourism personalities.
Mariam Ajibola also spoke about the numerous benefits of tourism, particularly in Ekiti State. She elaborated on the importance of preserving cultural heritage and festivals, highlighting that Ekiti State alone has over 145 festivals celebrated yearly. Ajibola encouraged the corps members to take pride in the cultural wealth of their communities and contribute to its preservation and promotion.
Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre,after the session,expressed gratitude to the corps members for their attention and engagement. He reiterated the Bureau’s commitment to working closely with NYSC and local communities to foster tourism growth, and he encouraged the corps members to seize the opportunities that the sector offers.
The visit sparked the interest of the corp members, in the tourism sector with encouragement to explore ways they can contribute to the development during and after their service year.
“The Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development looks forward to further collaboration with the NYSC and hopes to continue fostering tourism awareness and involvement among the members across the state”, Ojo-Lanre said.