Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo on Saturday in Igbo-Ora reiterated the commitment of his administration to the development of the tourism sector in the state.

Mr Makinde, at an event to mark the annual World Twins Day organised by the Igbo-ora community in the state’s Ibarapa zone, said his administration was already making progress in doing that.

He promised that his government would leave no stone unturned in achieving its vision for the sector.

The 2023 Twins Day Festival was organised in collaboration with the Twins World Creation and the Oyo state government.

The governor also said his government would remain committed to its promise to improve the economy of Igbo-Ora and Ibarapa land through tourism and infrastructure development.

“My administration has achieved success in connecting and integrating the economies of the different zones of the state to that of Ibadan, the state capital.

“I can assure residents of the Ibarapa zone that the economy of the zone will be fully connected and integrated to the rest of the zones,” he said.

The governor disclosed that his administration planned to re-award the contract for the Igbo Ora-Iseyin Road construction and ensure that the project was completed and delivered before his tenure ended.

He also said he would approach the federal government for approval to fix the Eruwa-Lanlate-Maya Road, so that the zone’s economy would receive the necessary attention.

In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the state government’s participation in the Igbo-Ora World Twins Festival was a fulfilment of governor Makinde’s promise.

He recalled that the governor had promised to recognise the uniqueness of each community in the state and to promote their tourism potential.

“The festival has promoted tourism in the state, and from 2024, the festival will be extended to all the five geo-political zones in the state with the grand finale taking place in Igbo-Ora,” Mr Olatunbosun said.

The traditional ruler of Igbo-Ora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye, lauded governor Makinde for promoting the festival as a means of tourism and expansion of the state’s economy.

Highlights of the event included twins’ parade, twins’ talent show and twins’ appellation, among others.

(NAN)