Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, on Wednesday, commissioned the Royal Entertainment Cruise, a company that offers boat cruise services at Eleyele Waterfront in Ibadan, saying the coming of the company would promote aqua tourism in the state.
While congratulating the CEO, Mr Sanmi Bamidele, Dr Olatubosun urged him to pay serious attention to safety as that would go a long way in determining the success of the business.
The commissioner lauded the Royal Entertainment CEO for being the first to embark on aqua tourism business in the state.
Speaking on the efforts of the state governor to promote tourism, Olatubosun said that Governor Seyi Makinde, had linked all the zones in the state with good road network, thus making it easy for people to move easily across the state.
He added that this had been supported with the provision of adequate security, the ‘Light-up Oyo’ project as well as the emplacement of structure to regulate tourism in the state.
Olatubosun said, “To run the cruise effectively and for people to feel drawn towards it, there have to be some essential things in place like an emergency unit, lifeguards, tracking system, partnership with a hospital and reserve boats in case of an emergency, because the safety of the tourists is paramount. These are the things that will promote the cruise to tourists.”
He also pledged that the boat cruise business and Eleyele Waterfront would be added to the tourism sites in the state, adding that “We will ensure it is listed as one of the tourism destinations in Oyo State, especially in Ibadan.”
He then advised Mr Bamidele to institute a strong structure and system that would help prevent overcrowding and mismanagement.
In his remarks, the CEO of Royal Entertainment Cruise expressed his gratitude to Oyo State Government, especially the governor, for the opportunity and support towards the initiative.
He said he decided to establish the company in Ibadan due to his desire to have a place where people can have the aqua tourism experience without having to go to Lagos.
Bamidele said, “The essence of this service that we offer is to allow people to come and ease tension and relax in a conducive environment.
“We are also here to complement the government’s efforts of driving the state’s economy through tourism. We can’t put all the pressure on the government and so the little efforts we can make, we have to make.”
Talking on the importance of aqua tourism to the state, he said, “Aqua tourism is the movement of people through water, while tourism is movement of people from one point to the other. Government has been working tirelessly concerning this and that is why this place is here to complement the government’s efforts, it has equally provided employment opportunities. As we are starting this now, it is an example for others to follow. We now have our own Lekki in Ibadan.”
He added that Oyo State residents can now access and enjoy delightful boat cruises and rentals services on the popular Eleyele Waterfront.
According to him, the vision was brought to fruition by his company in collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism as well as the Water Corporation of Oyo State, with the vision to provide a unique experience on the waterfront for tourists.
In attendance were dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Honourable Wasilat Adegoke; member representing Ibadan North/West State Constituency, Hon Dawood Akanni Olalere D-Al-Ameen; Baale of Eleyele, Baale Ogunbusa, General Manager Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs Yinka Adedeji; Chairman, Oyo State Water Corporation’s representative, Alhaja Mobolaji Oguntade; Chief Benedict Akika, Curator, National Museum of Unity Aleshinloye Ibadan, Mrs Pamela Otuka; President, Hoteliers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Otunba Ayodele Ogundele and other major stakeholders in the tourism Sector.
