The Edo State Head of Service and Chairman of the state’s Tourism Steering Committee, Anthony Okungbowa Esq, reveals the state’s ambitious vision to rebuild its economy by tapping into the potential of its rich history, heritage, arts, and culture.
Speaking at the launch of the Edo State Tourism Master Plan during the celebration of Tourism Day, Okungbowa emphasizes the importance of reigniting the creative spirit that drove our ancestors to create invaluable artifacts. Additionally, the state aims to revitalize its infrastructure to support the growth and sustainability of this new economy.
Edo State aspires to become a leading tourism destination in Africa, a feat that will significantly boost tourism traffic into Nigeria.
Currently, Nigeria receives less than 50,000 visitors per year, while Kenya records around 70,000 visitors in just one month. The goal of the tourism project in Edo State is to attract at least 1 million visitors annually from international, regional, and domestic markets.
Okungbowa highlights the urgency of developing tourism as a foreign exchange earner in the state, given Nigeria’s recent losses in oil revenue. With factors such as crude theft, pipeline vandalism, and a significant debt portfolio, alternative revenue streams become crucial for states to thrive.
Edo State recognizes its distinct advantage of possessing a wealth of history, arts, and cultural dynamics. By revitalizing infrastructure and nurturing collaboration with corporate stakeholders and community support, the state aims to position itself as an African destination center in the coming years. This approach aligns with the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day, “Rethinking Tourism.”
Acknowledging the great vision of Governor Godwin Obaseki, Okungbowa expresses gratitude for the opportunity to steer the Tourism Steering Committee towards realizing this master plan. He commends the expertise of consultants Financial Derivatives and Verakki, as well as the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Tourism for their contributions and support.
