The Government of the State of Osun has concluded plans to collaborate with Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) through her Osun State Chapter, to promote tourism sector in the state. This happened on the heels of the official familiarization visit paid by the executives of FTAN Osun Chapter, led by the Vice President, FTAN South West Zone, Otunba Ayo Olumoko, to the Commissioner of Culture & Tourism, Dr Adebisi Obawale recently.
“Tourism development in Osun State remains the shared responsibility of both government and professionals which constitute the private sector. There is no reason why government should take it upon herself as direct labour on her heritage site development. We are here as FTAN in Osun State to lessen the burden on the state government as regards tourism development in the state, and also help to galvanize all stakeholders together to support Osun State Government’s efforts to promote Osun Tourism,” Otunba Olumoko remarked during the meeting which had in attendance all executive officers of FTAN Osun as well as senior officials of the ministry.
Otunba Olumoko explained that the Federation has been helpful to other states in the country, citing the examples of Lagos, Ekiti, and Oyo States, who are benefitting immensely from their professional relationship with FTAN in their states, noting that the Federation has 23 associations in Nigeria. He therefore enjoined other tourism operators who are yet to register with the Federation in Osun State to do so.
Otunba Olumoko added that, FTAN is pleased with the recent launch of the Osun State Tourism Masterplan (Culture & Tourism for Sustainable Economy, CUTOSEC), and is ready to engage the ministry for a stakeholders’ review of the Masterplan, citing the example of the Lagos Tourism Masterplan which was recently reviewed by FTAN Lagos State Chapter headed by Alhaji Dauud Gbenga Sunmonu as Coordinator.
The Zonal Vice President, in his closing remarks, used the occasion to present copies of Constitutions and Certificate of Incorporation of the Federation to the Commissioner and Senior Special Assistant to State Governor, stressing that the official inauguration of the FTAN Osun State Chapter will come up on Thursday 10th December, 2020.
In his own response, the Commissioner stated that the visit of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria [FTAN] to Osun is a blessing to the state, noting that the administration of Governor Oyetola has pledged to drive the economy of the state through tourism, culture and hospitality, noting that the governor wants this to be fully driven by Public – Private – Partnerships.
Dr Obawale disclosed that the Osun State Government will partner with the Federation in order to be able to achieve the goals of Governor Oyetola in tourism promotion in the state.
In attendance on the side of FTAN beside the Vice President, South West, Otunba Olumoko are, the Osun State Coordinator, Mr Ladun Fabiyi; General Secretary, Mr Olatunji Femi; Deputy Coordinator/Treasurer, Queen Fisayo Aderemi; Public Relations Officer, Mrs Olatunji Enajite and the Inter-Governmental Relations Officer, Capt Emmanuel Oluwatobi.
While in attendance for the Ministry, besides the Honourable Commissioner are, the Senior Special Assistant on Culture & Tourism, Mr Raimi Opeshina; Coordinating Director of the Ministry, Mr Samuel Adeniyi; acting General Manager, Osun Tourism Board, Mrs Ajayi Oluwatoyin; Senior Admin Officer, Mr Femi Asiyanbi; Chief Information Officer/Press Secretary, Mr Sunday Okunade and Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth & Sport, Aremo Adegboyega (who was present as guest).
The official inauguration of the association will come up on the 10th December, 2020.
