House of Representatives member Festus Akingbaso advocates for the exploration of the tourism potential within Idanre Hills, Ondo State.
Highlighting the intrinsic tourism potential bestowed by nature in the Idanre community, situated in the Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, he asserts that if fully harnessed, these attributes have the power to significantly elevate the state’s fortunes.
The lawmaker representing Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency calls on stakeholders to establish tourist centers in the state, emphasizing their potential to generate revenue for the government and create employment opportunities.
Akingbaso shared this perspective during his account of stewardship to the constituency at Owa’s Palace in Idanre on Saturday.
He pointed out that with the necessary infrastructure in place, the Idanre Hills, acknowledged as a UNESCO Heritage Centre, possesses the potential to generate substantial revenue for both the state and the Federal government.
He said, ‘You will see a lot of artifacts in Idanre Hills and you will be amazed. There is no place you can see these in Nigeria.’
‘There are many ways that Idanre Hills can be developed: This tourism is of prime importance to us. It can be developed if we put a good infrastructure base in place. There should be a good road network to the community and an adequate power supply to harness the benefits of tourism fully.’
‘I am liasing with Federal Government agencies, particularly the National Tourism Board, and showing them what we have and what they can do for us on a short-term and long-term basis. Idanre is well blessed. We stress the issue of tourism because that is a heritage we have here. We as a people in Idanre will prepare a blueprint for tourism.’
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‘We are a world heritage centre but we cannot see the benefit so we will definitely sit down to prepare a policy plan for the Idanre community.’
He noted that the tourism sector had some components that could enhance the development and growth of society.
‘We are working hard to make enlistment processes of Idanre Hills a reality. Immediately after our inauguration, we facilitated a physical joint meeting with Ondo State Government and a meeting is coming up between the state government, the Federal Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the National Commission of Museum and Monument stakeholders where the grey areas of the enlistment of Idanre Hills as a UNESCO Heritage Centre will be addressed,’ he said.
The Owa of Idanre land, Oba Fredrick Aroloye, commended the lawmaker, expressing admiration for Akingbaso’s impressive track record of providing quality representation without disappointing the federal constituency.
The monarch implored the lawmaker to stay unwavering in his efforts, highlighting the role of his exemplary conduct as a positive influence on other politicians.