By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

Ondo State House of Assembly has pledged to give legislative backing towards the development of tourism and the community in the State.

The Chairman, House Committee on Culture, Tourism, Security, Community Development and Cooperative Services, Ololade Gbegudu stated this  while leading other members  on  oversight visit to the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the State Community and Social Development Agency (ODSCDA).

At the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Gbegudu lauded the Ministry for its continuous efforts in making the State a tourist center, adding that it is very important to have a law that backs tourism so as to help in boosting the revenue of the State.

He advised the ministry to continue to look inward and add value to the sector, promising the management of maximum support in the course of discharging their duties.

Other members noted that a lot needs to be done in the aspect of culture, advising the ministry to  partner relevant bodies and individuals for overall development.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Wale Akinlosotu, who briefed the committee on the activities and achievements of the ministry noted that it has continued to formulate and implement policies to promote, propagate,  and preserve the rich artistic, cultural and tourism resources of the people of the State with a view to stimulating socio-economic growth.

He assured members that the ministry will leave no stone unturned in leveraging the state on the world map of culture and tourism.

Akinlosotu while commending the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu  for his courage in making Araromi Seaside a tourist center, noted that the center will be officially commissioned soon.

Also at ODSCDA,the committee commended the agency for facilitating needed projects in communities.

While assuring the agency of members’ continuous support and cooperation, he implored the management not to relent on their efforts.

Other members also appreciated the agency for leaving no stone unturned in facilitating projects across the State, urging the management to always carry them along  for necessary support.

Earlier, while presenting the brief,  Operation Manager of the Agency, Mr Olumide Igbaroola stated that the agency was established by the State Government in November, 2009  to reach out to the less privilege for improve access to development.

He stressed that its objective is to support the empowerment of communities  for increased access  to improved social, natural resources, and infrastructure services for sustainable development.