In recognition of huge contributions to the development of tourism in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole, the foremost Destination Management firm, UfitFly has again received a pat on the back by the Oyo State Government for efforts made in promoting inbound and outbound tourism in the state.
An award of Special Contribution to Tourism was presented by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Adebayo Shittu to the MD/CEO of UfitFly, Evangelist Ajibola Ogunkeyede during the first International Tourism Summit Oyo State 2024, organized the Oyo State Government on Wednesday April 17, inside the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan.
Speaking during the event, Tourism Award ceremony, according to Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, Chairman of ITS Oyo state 2024 Planning Committee, who also doubles as the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, is to publicly acknowledge the contribution of individuals and corporate bodies to the growth of the state’s tourism sector.
He said, “As we intend to take tourism in the state to a higher level, it is apt that we recognise those who, over the years, have contributed to the growth of the sector in the state of which UfitFly is one of them. This, we believe, will challenge them to do more and encourage others to also contribute their quota to the development of the sector.”
He added that the international tourism summit is meant to showcase the state’s tourism endowments with a view to attracting investors who will develop them to global standards.
Reacting after receiving the award, Evang. Ogunkeyede affirmed that “Tourism is life and when people move, money move” adding that private players and investors play a major role in tourism development anywhere in the World saying “as long as Government provides the enabling environment for business to thrive.”
His words: “Today, I was invited to participate at a high level meeting with the people’s Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde during the first International Tourism Summit in Oyo with the theme: ‘Repositioning Tourism as a Driver of Sustainable Development in Oyo State. And we had a good discussion on how we can partner with the government to further explore the tourism potentials in the state to generate more IGR.”
“I had the opportunity to present areas of opportunities to explore, challenges we face in the industry and what the government can do to allow businesses to thrive. I have seen the political will from the government and I can say Oyo State is truly ready to do more with Investors and private players in the tourism and hospitality business,” said the Ufitfly boss.
Photo captions: (Left –Right) Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Iyaloja general of Nigeria, Chief Mrs. Folashade Mujidat Tinubu-Ojo and Team lead UfitFly, Evang. Ajibola Ogunkeyede
