Oyebanji named Best Tourism Governor

Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has been named the ‘Best Tourism Governor 2024’ by the Traveller’s Awards and the Akwaaba Travel Market.

The Board of Management and Directors of Africa Travel Quarterly (ATQ) Magazine, organisers of the annual event, named Oyebanji for the Best Tourism Governor among other recipients of the prestigious awards.

According to the organisers, the awards will be formally bestowed on the governor at the Akwaaba ceremony scheduled to hold on Sept 15 at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Ikechi Uko, President of ATQ Magazine, said the Ekiti governor was overwhelmingly voted in the scheme conducted among tourism stakeholders across West African countries.

He said, Oyebanji, acclaimed as first Nigerian Governor to initiate a State Tourism Policy and a Tourism Development Master Plan, polled an overwhelming 89.5 percent of votes cast by tourism professionals across the West African sub-region.

The governor also created a dedicated Bureau of Tourism Development under his personal supervision, among other unprecedented reforms.

The organisers said the event would bring together global travel professionals, investors, cultural icons, and policymakers across Africa and beyond.

Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, said the award is a testament to the passionate commitment to tourism development in the state.

“This honour is a validation of Governor Oyebanji’s visionary leadership and the collective effort of the people of Ekiti.

“From Ikogosi to Abanijorin Rock, from our gastronomy showcases to international fairs, Ekiti has risen as the heartbeat of tourism in Nigeria.

“Our mandate remains clear — to deliver the Governor’s vision with speed, professionalism, and excellence,” he said.