Tourism Club Poly Ibadan celebrates, honours practitioners

 “Young shall grow” is a very popular statement in the African society. This statement has come to reality with the involvement of the youths in the tourism sector of Nigeria. The youth is taking full charge of their responsibility in relation to the growth and development of the tourism sector.

At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tourism Club International, Ibadan Polytechnic Chapter, which was held last Thursday at the Rotunda hall of the Institution with the theme:  ‘Empowerment of the Youth through Tourism and Hospitality’, the guest speaker, Director of Tourism, Oyo State, Mrs Adejoke Agboola, who was represented by Mr. Okunola Olumuyiwa said” The domestic tourism is the major concern of the Oyo State government. As the state is known to be the pioneer of everything First in Africa, such as; the first university in Africa, first television station among other firsts. There are unfathomable natural tourism sites in the state, historical natural sites having no match in the world, imperishable cultural ingredients that are only indigenous to the people of Oyo State. The government working in partnership with private organisations as regards the promotion, celebration and development of all tourism places, sites and concepts for economic growth and development of the state”.

Olumuyiwa revealed  “there are various categories tourism covers, such as; scientific tourism, academic tourism, historical tourism, religious tourism, entertainment tourism, tourism guidance and so forth. Tourism is a means of livelihood for most developed countries in the world; therefore, members of the Tourism Club and general public can get involved in active activities of tourism for independence and self-reliance in the face of economic recession. Tourism, as business venture, covers countless areas which are enough to save the economy of any country from recession.”

He further said “the ministry is open to every project, initiative or concept that can re-brand the face of tourism in the state in respect of development. The ministry, under the leadership of Mrs Adejoke Agboola, is tirelessly working on the re-branding of festivals which are indigenous to the people of Oyo State and developing unique areas like Ado Awaye, a place known for the suspended lake having her twin in Colorado, in the United States of America”.

Awards were given to top professionals of tourism in the country, after the presentation of award to Mrs Agboola, the likes of Mr. Wale Ojo-Lanre, Editor, Tribune Tourism Magazine; Mr Omololu Oluwamuyiwa, CEO, Travel Scope Magazine; Mr Salami Olumiyuwa, CEO, Divine Tour, Kenneth Oduah, CEO and Founder of Stay-Up Aviation and many others.

The president of the association, Tr. Oke Fausat Oluwabunmi commended other members of the executive which include Tr. Olatunde Opeyemi Odunayo, vice president, Tr. Olatintunde Jesulayomi Gabriel, general secretary for their commitment to the vision of the association.

She urged other students to join Tourism Club instead of forming and joining diabolical association.