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Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said his administration remains committed to investing in strengthening the security architecture of the state, to ensure the safety of lives and properties across the state.
The governor also said the peace and security of the state remained a top priority of his administration, adding that his government would always invest in efforts such as security and infrastructure to make the state an investment destination of choice.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor, according to a statement on Sunday, reiterated the commitment during the World Tourism Day held at Herbert Ogunde Hall, June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
The governor said, “Peace is a requisite for any business to thrive, it is a necessary ingredient for the development and progress of every society.
“Peace must prevail before tourism could flourish. It is because of this that our administration will continue to invest in security, infrastructure and human capital development. We will continue to make sure the state is safe and become a destination of choice for all.”
He said tourism had the potential to create jobs and promote unity and sustainable peace, calling on investors to partner with the state to develop the sector.
Delivering the speech of the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Olusesan Fagbayi, said the focus for the 2024 World Tourism Day reflected the profound connection between tourism and peace, “as tourism brings people of diverse cultures together.”
Guterres said appreciating and preserving cultural and natural heritage could help reduce tensions and nurture peaceful coexistence globally.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Tourism, Segun Kaka, said tourism and peace were intertwined, reiterating that tourism helped build peace and engender good relationships among communities.
Speaking on “Tourism and Peace: A Pathway to Global Harmony and Economic Prosperity,” a lecturer in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr Kukoyi Ibrahim, highlighted the importance of tourism in building a more inclusive and peaceful world.
This, he said, could be achieved by embracing sustainable and responsible tourism practices, fostering cultural exchange, as well as supporting economic development to harness the power of tourism to create a better future for all.
Delivering a paper titled, “Tourism and Economic Development,” the Chief Executive Officer of First Heritage Culture and Hospitality Limited, Abiola Ogundeko, pointed out that tourism could generate revenue, create jobs and preserve cultural heritage.
He said focusing on cultural tourism, eco-tourism, and religious tourism, alongside strategic investments in infrastructure and marketing would help to unlock tourism potential.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Yusuff Quudus, stated that this year’s theme underscored the indispensable role tourism played in ensuring understanding, cooperation and harmony among nations and cultures.
He affirmed that tourism had the unique ability to bridge divides, break barriers and promote peaceful coexistence.
“As we celebrate this World Tourism Day, let us all reaffirm our commitment to using tourism as a tool for peace. Together, we can create a future where travel opens doors to understanding, empathy and global harmony,” Dr Quudus said.
