From Fisayo Akinduro, Osogbo

Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has assured Ekiti State Government of his readiness to support the advancement of tourism as a veritable tool for economic growth.
Ooni Ogunwusi made this assurance in his palace, Ile Ife while receiving the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Kayode Fayemi on Tourism Development, Mr. Wale Ojo – Lanre.
He stated that the palace is ready to reinforce and support Ekiti State to achieve its tourism goals.
The monarch who described Governor Fayemi as a philosopher leader, said that tourism should be given the needed attention by the Federal Government.
Ooni assured that he would not only support the development of the tourism assets of Ekiti state, but also visit some of the sites.
He revealed his readiness to add value to 50 cultural- tourism sites in Yoruba land.
Speaking earlier, Ojo-Lanre recounted several tourism moves of Ooni Ogunwusi which have turned Ile – Ife into a destination.
He disclosed that Governor Fayemi’s tourism vision is predicated on pro-people, pro- empowerment, pro-development, pro – employment creation and pro – wealth stimulation for the government and people of Ekiti.
He revealed that Governor Fayemi had during his first term raised the banner of tourism development in Ekiti State by the revamping of the hitherto neglected Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, enhancement of Arinta Waterfall, Ipole Iloro, processing Ogun Grove for UNESCO World Heritage Site, declaration of Efon – Ipole – Ikogosi – Erinjiyan – Ilawe as Ekiti Tourism Corridor, Enhancement of the Entry Posts of Ekiti State, and Ero Dam Waterfront Tourism Resort.
He pointed out that the parlous state of these sites and the fact that Governor Fayemi is a cosmopolitan person who understands the import of a blossom tourism sector has necessitated the resetting of the sector for sustainable productivity and vibrancy that will ensure continuity.