The Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has said the state would continue to support initiatives aimed at developing the state’s tourism assets and promoting the state as a preferred tourist destination.

Aiyedatiwa said this while delivering his goodwill message on Thursday, July 3 during the opening ceremony of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Akure , Ondo State.

Aiyedatiwa who was represented by the state’s Deputy Governor, Chief Olayide Adelami said : “Tourism remains a vital sector with the potentials to create jobs and foster understanding among people and drive sustainable growth. As an administration committed to diversification and prosperity, we will continue to support initiatives to promote our tourism, preserve our culture, and position Ondo State as the preferred destination for tourist from all over the world.” He commended NATOP’s leadership for its resilience, dedication and passion.

Speaking further, Aiyedatiwa described the tourism industry as a sleeping economic giant that needed to be awaken, saying it was time for more action and less talk.

He said: “I remember Otunba (Akinboboye) saying enough of talking. We talk too much, let’s engage in deliberate acts to develop the industry. I also listened to the Director General of NIHOTOUR. In his speech he spoke on infrastructure and government collaboration, and the enabling legislation.

“Here in Ondo State, a lot of sites have been identified to be developed as tourist centres . There are sites like the Araromi beach. It has about 180 kilometers stretch of beachfront. During our inauguration we all went there. I realized that it is one of the cleanest beaches in Nigeria. The distance between that beach to Lagos is reported to be about 45 minutes. I am sure that by the time the coastal road is completed, it will open up that place. (called on investors to buy land there as it would become very expensive when the coastal highway passes there).

Delivering her speech at the AGM, NATOP President Alhaja Bolaji Mustapha said the association feels honored to be hosted ‘in a location that perfectly mirrors the essence of NATOP’s theme for the year: “Unlocking Nigeria’s ecotourism untapped treasures’, saying the theme speaks directly to the potentials Nigeria has not fully harnessed. She said: “As tour operators and key players, we have the responsibility and the opportunity to spotlight these assets, create economic value, and power tourism entrepreneurs, especially at the grassroots level.”