Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the remarkable repositioning of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) under the dynamic leadership of Alhaji Lanre Issa – Onilu.
The commendation was made during a courtesy visit by the Ekiti State NOA Director, Mrs. Oluwakemi Akomolede, and her high-powered delegation to the Bureau’s office at the 2nd Floor, Cabinet Wing, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday 28 May 2025.
The NOA delegation, which included notable members such as Mr. Akinloye, Mr. Awosusi Funso (DD-PRS), Mrs. Toyosi, Mr. Ayodele Joseph, Mr. Olujobi John, Mrs. Osadoyin Funmilayo, and Mrs. Familua, was warmly received by Barrister Babasoji Awe, General Manager of the Bureau, alongside Mr. Peculiar Ikiran (Special Assistant on Tourism Development), Mr. Sola Ogunjibi (DFA), Mrs. Dolapo Ogunleye Adewumi, and Miss Kenny Ajayi.
Mrs. Akomolede articulated the primary purpose of their visit as seeking partnership, synergy, and collaboration with the Bureau, acknowledging its commendable efforts in developing Ekiti’s tourism assets and raising the state’s tourism banner beyond national platforms.
She further offered glowing remarks about the passion of the Governor of Ekiti State, H.E. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for enhancing the state’s tourism potentialities.
Mrs. Akomolede emphasized that the Ekiti State NOA should be considered not merely a partner but an integral part of the Bureau, mandating its involvement in all activities, as directed by NOA's Director General, Alhaji Lanre Issa Onilu, to disseminate information beneficial to all citizens without bias.“We specially thank the DG Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre for his proactive and passion at selling Ekiti State in totality to the world,” Mrs. Akomolede stated. “We are amazed and dazzled at the warm welcome showered on us and particularly impressed with the way the Bureau took us on a tour of Ekiti State within 10 minutes. We are here to register as a potent partner in vision and mission.”
At the conclusion of the engagement, Mrs. Akomolede presented copies of “The Explainer” newspaper and booklets on “The Nigerian National Anthem” to the Bureau.
In his response, Barrister Ojo-Lanre expressed profound honor at the visit, highlighting the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development’s core mission to “unleash and harness Ekiti’s immense tourism potential” with the aim of transforming the state into a premier tourist destination. This involves developing unique cultural heritage and natural attractions, creating an enabling environment for tourism businesses, generating employment, and significantly contributing to Ekiti’s economic growth.
The Director General underscored the critical need for collaboration between the two agencies, noting NOA’s crucial role with its grassroots reach and public enlightenment mandate.
He envisioned a powerful partnership to promote responsible tourism, sensitize communities on tourism’s economic benefits and hospitality, disseminate information on Ekiti’s tourist sites and cultural festivals, and foster a sense of ownership and pride in tourism assets among the local population.
Barrister Ojo-Lanre specifically commended the transformation of the NOA under Alhaji Lanre Issa Onilu, recognizing the agency’s renewed vigor and innovative approaches in information dissemination.
He singled out “The Explainer Newspaper” for its significant value in the Federal Government’s information and awareness creation drives, praising its clear and accessible approach.
Given NOA’s vital role, Barrister Ojo-Lanre passionately advocated for more robust funding for the agency, asserting that a well-funded NOA could undoubtedly amplify its reach and impact, leading to a more informed and engaged citizenry.
He concluded by assuring the National Orientation Agency of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development’s 100 percent commitment and support in all collaborative ventures to achieve shared objectives for the betterment of the state and nation.
Earlier, Barrister Babasoji Awe, General Manager of the Bureau, introduced the Bureau’s team and outlined its expected roles, assuring NOA of the Bureau’s readiness for collaboration. Mr. Peculiar Ikiran, Special Assistant on Tourism Development, also took the NOA team on a map tour of the state’s tourism assets.
