The gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the last election in Ogun State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has said that tourism and the hospitality sector is the only viable alternative to oil in the country.
Oguntoyinbo contested the last election held on 18th March 2023 in Ogun State.
He advised the federal government to develop the tourism and hospitality sector to generate more revenue and create more jobs for unemployed youths.
He made these disclosures while addressing journalists on his way to Tanzania on Wednesday.
He said diversification of the economy, especially the improvement of hospitality and tourism, would help to ensure economic growth and development in the country.
He maintained that Saudi Arabia has more oil than Nigeria, but the country is investing massively in the hospitality and tourism sector.
Oguntoyinbo concluded that many countries are earning immense benefits from hospitality and tourism.
“Government at all levels should explore all the potentials in hospitality and tourism for economic development and growth. It is a multifaceted and multidimensional activity. It is not just about fun, it is business and government should look at the business aspect. It makes more money than most other industries.
“It is the only viable alternative to oil and government should place more priority on hospitality, tourism and culture. Many countries which Nigeria is even more endowed than are earning immense benefits from hospitality and tourism. Nigeria is so endowed in that sector, looking at the cultural diversity and the natural environment,” he said.