In his efforts at placing Ekiti on the path of sustainable economic advancement, steady progress and enhancement of human and material resources, the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has declared his intention of creating a ‘Dedicated Ekiti State  Bureau of Tourism Development’ for strategic economic enhancement of the humongous tourism assets of the state.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who has been described as one of the most proactive Governors in Nigeria, made this known when he played host to a delegate of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators, NATOP, in his office in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday.

Governor Oyebanji assured the NATOP delegation who sought his blessing and that of Ekiti State for the hosting of its AGM in Ekiti State of his readiness and willingness to host the AGM.

He also noted that his government perfectly understand the imports of tourism to a state which is tourism studded like Ekiti and has decided to explore tourism as a socio-economic agent of empowerment, employment, revenue generation, social engagement and development.

Gov Oyebanji said that his government also realised that the tourism assets of Ekiti state would be enhanced profitability if it is treated as an economic and business entity detached from unnecessary protocol and officialdom.

He revealed that it is because of this that his government has absolutely resolved and committed to position tourism squarely and properly as a vital economic sector that we have decided to establish and create the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, as a distinctive legal entity bereft of red tape and bureaucratic limitations

Gov Oyebanji disclosed that the legal framework of the Bureau has been fashioned out by the Ministry of Justice and the Bureau would commence operation in earnest.

The Governor who admonished NATOP for thinking about Ekiti State, tasked NATOP’s local Organising Committee to within 10 days brief his office on the modalities for the hosting.