The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has unveiled a visionary Tourism Master Plan on Tuesday, signaling the state’s quest to become the preferred global tourist destination.
With the implementation of this meticulous blueprint, the government aims to generate a staggering ₦2 trillion in revenue from the tourism sector over the next decade.
During the handover of the master plan by members of the state’s tourism steering committee at the Government House in Benin City, Governor Obaseki, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, called on all stakeholders to collaborate and augment the government’s efforts to leverage the state’s rich cultural heritage, excelling in tourism revenue.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to repositioning the sector, the governor declared, “Today, we present the Edo State Tourism Masterplan to you. As we diversify our economy, we have shifted our focus from oil. Tourism is one of the sectors receiving critical attention as we transform the state’s infrastructure and generate revenue.”
He continued, “We will harness our distinctive heritage, scattered artifacts, and the sporting prowess Edo is known for. By reviving sports, we are enticing tourism. We have fostered a business-friendly environment, bolstering infrastructure and security.”
Governor Obaseki emphasized the immense potential of Edo State’s rich cultural heritage, expressing the government’s determination to capitalize on these assets to bolster the tourism industry and enhance revenue generation. He urged stakeholders in the hospitality sector to collaborate with the government, recognizing the mutual benefits that lie ahead. Proclaiming the importance of the emerging economy, the governor asserted that Edo State, through tourism, will contribute to elevating the global GDP from 10 percent to 20 percent.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Tourism Steering Committee and Edo Head of Service, Barr. Anthony Okungbowa, expressed gratitude to the governor for granting the committee the opportunity to develop the comprehensive master plan. He emphasized that sports would serve as a vital pillar for the sustainability of the tourism master plan.
Presenting the engaging topic, ‘Rethinking Tourism,’ Bismarck Rewane, the Ultimate Chairman of the Edo Tourism Masterplan Steering Committee, disclosed the monumental potential that lies ahead. The state is projected to generate ₦2 trillion in revenue from tourism alone over the next ten years, an astonishing 10 percent of Nigeria’s annual budget allocated to the entire tourism sector.
Rewane further stated, “Investing in infrastructure and construction will generate a minimum of 2,000 direct and 15,000 indirect jobs in the immediate future.”
