By Wisdom Agbonta
The Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Bamidele Obaitan, has said that the arts, culture and tourism sectors are major contributors to the State’s economy.
He said the sectors provide direct and indirect economic benefits to States and communities by creating jobs, attracting investments, generating revenues and stimulating local economies through consumer purchases.
Obaitan made the assertion during a one-day stakeholders’ meeting on tourism and culture in the State.
The meeting had as its theme: “Sustainable Partnership for Economic Growth”, held at the ICT Hall of the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA).
The Commissioner said: “We must not forget to take advantage of technology and social media in showcasing our works in order to attract both investors and clients. Edo State is blessed with a very rich cultural heritage, hospitality industry, arts and tourists sites as well as overflow of raw talent.
“This can contribute a lot to the economy of the State and will especially benefit the youths. The arts, culture and tourism sectors provide an array of benefits such as infusing other industries with creative insight for their products and services as well as preparing workers to participate in the contemporary workforce
“If these sectors are developed, coupled with a conducive and secure business environment, we will have an unprecedented influx of tourists into our dear State. We must encourage collaborations and private sector partnership to achieve this goal”.
The meeting was attended by various heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), traditional rulers, hoteliers, art and craft dealers, cultural troupe leaders, actors guild, event center owners, performing musicians, dancers among others.
The Guest Speaker and Managing Director of Ogba Zoological Garden, Mr. Andy Ehanire, said that every department of government is impacted by tourism, adding that Governor Godwin Obaseki is working hard and focused on the infrastructure needed for tourism development in the State.
He maintained that there must be a synergy among stakeholders and quarterly meetings to close the knowledge gap that exists in order to drive tourism in the State.
As part of activities to mark the event, there was a brief documentary highlighting some of the tourist attractions, cuisines and festivals, amongst others, to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people of the State.
There was also a presentation by the Edo State Council for Arts and Culture troupe.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Iryn Omorogiuwa Esq., revealed that one of the ongoing projects in the Ministry is the establishment of tourism clubs in secondary schools.
She added that there had been series of meetings with the Ministry of Education to successfully achieve it.
She further said that the Ministry was working on some events and programs to showcase the people’s cultures in depicting the creative potential of the State.
