FUNAAB students commend Gov. Oyebanji for developing tourism, urges visit to Ekiti State
By Editor
A group of 134 students from the Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB), Abeokuta recently completed a transformative 3-day tour of Ekiti State, where they commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment to tourism development. The visit was designed to deepen their understanding of the tourism sector while immersing themselves in the state’s rich cultural and natural assets.
The students visited the Bureau of Tourism Development in Ado Ekiti, where they engaged the Director General, Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, along with his dedicated team, including Executive Secretary, Barrister Adegboyega Morakinyo and Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism Development, Peculiar Ekiran. They provided the students with a captivating overview of Ekiti’s tourism attractions and potential, complemented by an engaging cultural display, led by a private sector cultural group head, Bolarinwa Oselusi.
The warm welcome orchestrated by Ambassador Ojo-Lanre and his team reinforced the state’s commitment to enhancing visitor experience and promoting its diverse attractions.
“We are incredibly grateful to Amb. Ojo-Lanre and his team for their wonderful hospitality during our visit,” said the student representative, Ms Moriam Ayomikun Oguntowo. “Their enthusiasm for tourism development is evident, and we gained invaluable insights into Ekiti’s potential as a prime destination for leisure and eco-tourism.”
Accompanying the students were lecturers from their Department of Hospitality and Tourism, including the Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology, Prof. A M. Omemu, Head of Department, Hospitality and Tourism, Prof. H. A. Bakare, a lecturer in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Dr. A. Adedipe, a lecturer in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Dr. I. A. Kukoyi and a lecturer in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Mr. L. A. Adebanjo.
During their exploration of various tourism sites, the students enriched their academic experience with firsthand knowledge of sustainable tourism practices. Their newfound appreciation for Ekiti’s cultural heritage and eco-tourism initiatives was palpable throughout the trip.
While expressing their gratitude, the FUNAAB students extend a heartfelt invitation to other educational institutions to explore the numerous opportunities within Nigeria’s vibrant tourism sector. They said such initiatives not only enhance academic learning but also contribute significantly to nation-building. The tour highlighted the crucial collaboration between educational institutions and state governments in fostering the growth of tourism and related industries, thereby creating a thriving environment for students and local communities alike.