The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has assured stakeholders of his administration’s commitment to develop the tourism sector as part of concerted efforts to explore more economic opportunities.
The governor gave the assurance during an engagement with stakeholders on the state’s tourism master plan.
Representative of the governor and Commissioner for Special Duties, Engr. Osasere M. Evbuomwan, said that the state is developing sub-master plans across sectors so as to provide sector-specific tool kits that will help in actualising the Making Edo Great Again (MEGA) agenda in outlining a blueprint for sustainable innovation.
“This is an opportunity to share the master plan that has been developed and gain feedback from you on what you believe we need to do based on where we are today.
“We want to work with the external stakeholders in developing a citizen-driven master plan. We believe the people are the drivers to achieving sustainable development. Our vision is to rebuild the fundamentals of Edo’s economy by harnessing the potentials of our heritage in arts and culture. We are determined to rekindle the creative space that inspired our forebears to create valuable artefacts in time past.”
“We also want to revitalize our infrastructure to support and to sustain this new economy. This gives a direction of tourism beyond the bronze as it is carefully designed to make Edo the tourism destination centre in Africa in the next few years.”
On his part, Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Bamidele Obaitan said successful tourism development is borne from careful planning involving the government, industries and community stakeholders.
He noted, “We are confident as a state that the development of the tourism master plan will boost domestic tourism in the state and create more revenue and harness the potentials that abound in the sector.
“Our goal is to position Edo State as a world-class culture and tourism destination, making tourist sites accessible with desirable experience for tourists through targeted arts of culture and communication initiatives.”
