Politics
MR Sultan Teslim, a renowned tourism expert, on Thursday said that more than 100 local and foreign tourists visited Epe for sightseeing in 2024.
Teslim disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Epe.
Teslim, who is also the Managing Director of Teslim Adventure, stated that the influx of tourists was driven by the town’s rich history and cultural heritage.
The heritage, he said, included the famous Epe Fish Market and the over 400-year-old sacred Iroko tree located in Ibonwon village in Epe Division.
According to Teslim, the tourists, both local and international, visited various ancient communities in the Epe Division from January to December 2024.
“The tourists came in large numbers from far and near. The community benefits from their visits through their purchases of arts and crafts, lodging in hotels, care hire, and local food consumption among others.
“Some tourists stayed between three to five days, they spend millions in exploring Epe Division and discovering its unique offerings.
“They ate the local delicacies, utilised car hire services, enjoyed the hospitality treats and expressed great satisfaction with the tourism destinations they visited.” he said.
Teslim noted that some tourists raised concerns about the condition of the tourism sites, urging the Lagos State government to upgrade the facilities to international standards.
He listed the prominent attractions visited by tourists to include, The sacred Iroko tree in Ibonwon, Epe Fish Market, Odoragushin Waterfall, The Film House at Ilara, The three sacred trees in Ibeju, Omu Resort in Ibeju in Bogije.
“The Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, Ejirin Market, The first Post Office in Nigeria, located in Ejirin in Epe Division, Waterfronts and aquatic splendor experiences are also part of the attractions.”
They also visited; Traditional rulers’ palaces, and the mangrove forests along the waterside in Epe.
Teslim said there was need for increased government investment in the tourism sector to boost earnings and enhance visitors’ experience.
“There are untapped opportunities in the tourism sector that need to be harnessed. If the government can upgrade the existing heritage sites and tourism edifices to modern standards.
“It will attract even more local and international tourists, thereby significantly boosting Internally Generated Revenue of the area,” he said.
He noted that the government could explore public-private partnerships to develop and maintain tourism sites across the state.
Teslim unveiled his company’s plans to collaborate with local government and local council development area chairmen to develop, explore, and maximise the tourism potentials of Epe Division for revenue generation.,(NAN).
9th January, 2025.
C.E.
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