Epe local government has joined the rest of the world to celebrate year 2022 “World Tourism Day” in Epe amidst theatre performance tagged,”Beere Arolu: The moremi of Epe Kingdom”.

Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, Chairman of the council unveiled the cultural show to mark this year “World Tourism Day” in Epe, on Wednesday.

She said that Epe was blessed with rich culture, vast lands, diverse natural resources, aquatic abundance, skillful artisans within a peaceful community.

According to her, the sole purpose of celebrating world tourism day globally was to address and acknowledge the socio-cultural, political and economic value of tourism and its contribution towards attaining the sustainable development goals.

The theme for this year tagged: “Rethinking Tourism”, Could not have come at a better time as it gives credence to the direction that we seek to take Epe and the richness of its tangible and intangible exports.

“Tourism is the fourth major economic sector in the world, accounting for 7percent of global trade.

“Here in Epe, we will be tackling this year topic from the angle of rural and community-centric tourism by focusing on developing the local economy.

“Fostering the growth of productive opportunities for income generation and providing equal access to these opportunities for its people, ” she said.

The chairman added that her administration has received considerable resistance against its focus on tourism. My response to this remain: Why Not Tourism?

She said that, If we do not take calculated steps to harness and develop the resources at our disposal or tell our own stories through rich cultural exchanges.

Such as; festivals and the likes, outsiders will come in, do it for us, benefit and take credit for it while we remain onlookers on the sidelines.

According to her, the end goal of Epe local government was to create an ecosystem that was all inclusive, where every single individual from your guide.

Such as; fishermen, farmers or pretty traders and investors alike can benefit from it in equal measure.

She commended the government on the construction of the km concrete roads between Eleko to Epe and the commencement of the second phase of road construction from Eleko to Abraham Adesanya.

Animashaun added that the completion and launch of the Lagos Film City by the state government, situated within Epe Division would further open up this region and position it as a global village.

“Epe is the best place to be and invest in within Lagos. Therefore, I urge the good people of Epe not to stand idle or turn their backs on the growth that is coming to us.

“We are opening our doors up to potential investments and partnership as we strive to build Epe into a world class tourist location.

“It will take the collective agreement and effort of the good people of this locality to see this materialise, ” she said.

The chairman expressed her unalloyed appreciation and gratitude to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, the Oloja of Epeland, Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale, the Olu Epe of Epe Kingdom.

Others as; Senator Tokunbo Mukhail Abiru, Lagos East Senatorial District, Hon. Tobun Abiodun, Legislative Representative of Epe Constituency 1 for all their relentless effort towards actualisation and the delivery of sustainable projects in Epe Division and Lagos state at large.

Also, Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa, Director General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism(NIHOTOUR) pledges to partner with Epe local government to set-up a tourism and NIHOTOUR training centre in Epe Division.

He said that eco and aquatic tourism potentials in Epe was opened to investors to invest and tap into it.

“Tourism should be an essential part of policy making. It create employment and investment opportunities across board.

“NIHOTOUR is ready to partner with Epe LG to support and promote Epe base tourism and ecosystem potential to the World.

Earlier, Oba Ishola Kamorudeen Animashaun, the Olooja of Epeland, expressed his satisfaction over the performances of this present administration led by Princess Surah Animashaun.

He said that the premier movie show exhibited at Jubilee chalet said it all about Epe and its people.

Animashaun added that tourism sector was indeed an industry that can serve as a catalyst for socio-economic development of a given community and society at large.

He prayed for this present administration of hitch-free tenure and also prayed for the success of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Gov. Sanwo-Olu and other APC aspirants mandate in the forthcoming general elections.(NAN).