To enhance development of Ekiti State’s tourism master plan, the United Nations (UN) Tourism delegates recently visited the state. Technical Cooperation, UN Tourism, Marcel Leijzer, said Nigeria has all it takes to create immense wealth from tourism based on the enormous potential of the country. According to him, about 20 tourism sites, which include Olosunta sacred rock in Ikere-Ekiti, Ikogosi warm spring in Ikogosi-Ekiti, the palm tree with 42 heads in Ilogbo-Ekiti, the place of Ogun, the source of Osun-Osogbo river in Igede-Ekiti; Abanijorin rock in Iyin-Ekiti; Poroye shrine in Ijan-Ekiti; Sacred river with untouchable fishes in Erinjiyan-Ekiti, Mount Golgotha in Efon-Alaye-Ekiti, the first mass centre in Usi-Ekiti, Ekiti parapo war museum in Okemesi-Ekiti, amongst others, were explored within Ekiti State during his official visit to aid the comprehensive tourism master plan design of the state.
Leijzer said in his visit to over 55 countries, he has not seen such tourism attractions. “The incredible sites hold interesting and fascinating mysteries. The beautiful and dramatic rock formations in Ekiti are a site to behold, the natural amphitheatre, which from my assessment can be rebranded, the fascinating landscapes, mountains, waterfalls, caves, as well as unique and beautiful birds. All these are what make Ekiti a spectacular destination.
On his overall assessment, Leijzer, said: “Our main focus will be in delivering technical cooperation and capacity building to staff of Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism to enable them work effectively in grooming the industry. The expertise needed to build the state’s tourism industry would be in the area of new resource development and quality development. International and local experts would be engaged in the entire process of drafting the plan.
Also speaking during the media interaction, Director-General of Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism, Wale Ojo-Lanre, who led the UN team through the tourism destinations in Ekiti State, said: “I appreciate the Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his immense support for the tourism industry. Having the UN Tourism on board is the beginning of great developments in the state.
