…Visit Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development.
The appointment was scheduled for 9:30 AM, and promptly at the appointed time, Soji Fajuyi, a descendant of the late Lt. Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi and the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Ekiti State on Regional Integration, arrived at my office.
The meeting was held at the Bureau of Tourism Development in the Governor’s Office, where we discussed leveraging tourism to foster regional economic benefits through various initiatives.
Soji Fajuyi, a brilliant , resourceful and insightful individual believes that tourism is a catalyst for regional integrarion and craving for a collaboration between the Ministry of Integration and Bureau of Tourism Development
Soji Fajuyi commended the Bureau of Tourism Development in Ekiti State for its efforts at branding ,marketing and showcasing the tourism potentialities of Ekiti State on a global level
He expressed his intention to collaborate closely with the Bureau .
In response, Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, applauded Soji for his deep understanding of the role of tourism in nation-building and regional integration.
He affirmed that the Bureau is open to collaboration, networking, and purposeful engagement that would add value to the state and enhance the well-being of its residents.
Barrister Wale Ojo- Lanre outlined his vision for using tourism as a catalyst for regional integration. He proposed several key initiatives, including
Establishing regional integration by cross – State hiking of the enveloping mountains and rocks which bonded Ekiti ,Osun ,Ondo States ,an event which the Ministry of Regional Integration can fund in partnership with the three states
Also , establishing cultural trails linking significant sites such as Osun-Igede and Osun-Osogbo to promote heritage tourism.
Facilitating academic exchanges and collaborations across state universities to enrich educational experiences and foster regional unity.
Developing cross-border ecotourism projects to preserve natural resources and attract environmentally-conscious tourists.
Promoting and coordinating major cultural festivals such as Osun-Osogbo, Ogun Onire, Ojude Oba, and Olojo Festivals to enhance regional cultural ties and draw tourists.
Implementing cross-state sustainable tourism policies to ensure long-term benefits and regional cooperation.
According to Barrister Wale Ojo- Lanre ,this partnership aims to harness the full potential of tourism as a means to achieve significant economic and cultural integration within the South West states of Nigeria.