Ado Ekiti, 10 October 2024– A vibrant group of 134 students from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), recently completed a transformative three-day tour of Ekiti State, where they commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment to tourism development.
This visit was designed to deepen their understanding of the tourism sector while immersing themselves in the state’s rich cultural and natural assets.
The students visited the Bureau of Tourism Development in Ado Ekiti, where they engaged with the Director General, Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, along with his dedicated team, including Barrister Adegboyega Morakinyo, Executive Secretary, and Peculiar Ekiran, Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism Development. They provided the students with a captivating overview of Ekiti’s tourism attractions and potential, complemented by an engaging cultural display led by private sector cultural group head, Bolarinwa Oselusi.
The warm welcome orchestrated by Ambassador Ojo-Lanre and his team reinforced the state’s commitment to enhancing the visitor experience and promoting its diverse attractions.
“We are incredibly grateful to Amb. Ojo-Lanre and his team for their wonderful hospitality during our visit,” said Miss Moriam Ayomikun Oguntowo, the student representative. “Their enthusiasm for tourism development is evident, and we gained invaluable insights into Ekiti’s potential as a prime destination for leisure and eco-tourism.”
Accompanying the students were distinguished lecturers from their Department of Hospitality and Tourism, including:
-Prof. Mrs. A. M. Omemu, Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology
-Prof. H. A. Bakare Head of Department, Hospitality and Tourism
Dr. A. Adedipe ,Senior Lecturer, Department of Hospitality and Tourism
Dr. I. A. Kukoyi, Senior Lecturer, Department of Hospitality and Tourism
Mr. L. A. Adebanjo, Lecturer 1, Department of Hospitality and Tourism
During their exploration of various tourism sites, the students enriched their academic experience with firsthand knowledge of sustainable tourism practices. Their newfound appreciation for Ekiti’s cultural heritage and eco-tourism initiatives was palpable throughout the trip.
In expressing their gratitude, the FUNAAB students extend a heartfelt invitation to other educational institutions to explore the numerous opportunities within Nigeria’s vibrant tourism sector. They believe such initiatives not only enhance academic learning but also contribute significantly to nation-building.
The tour highlighted the crucial collaboration between educational institutions and state governments in fostering the growth of tourism and related industries, thereby creating a thriving environment for students and local communities alike.