GOVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of Edo State makes no pretensions about engaging tourism as an economic growth driver and, a channel for telling the Edo story from the right perspective. There have been a renaissance of sorts in the Creative and Tourism sector, since the Governor assumed office in Edo State. That renaissance is seemingly finding its peak in the wake of the appointment of the new Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Dr Uyi Oduwa-Malaka. In the past three months, since she resumed, Edo has started to witness a prolific spin of activities in the Creative space to the delight of Edo people and residents, especially those in the Creative space.
One of such significant activity was a series of engagements the Commissioner, with a rather agreeable personality, initiated with the Oba Akenzua II Benin Airport Management on fostering a mutually beneficial alliance with the government. This is with a view to improving the Tourism potential and investment drive in the State. The meeting culminated with a follow up meeting with His Excellency, Governor Obaseki in his office last week. The Governor warmly received the Director, Commercial and Business Development, Mr Muyiwa Femi-Pearse, who represented the FAAN MD/CEO, Mr. Kabir Yusuf Mohamed, and the Airport management team in his office for a meeting that was very successful and satisfactory to both parties. We were therefore not surprised, but much elated to hear that the United Nigeria Airlines has just added Benin City to its flight routes. According to the MD of the airline:
“The last 7 years has witnessed sustained investment in tourism and has made Edo State the cynosure of all eyes and we have decided to partner with the state to grow her Economy by commencing flights into the Benin Airport in the next few weeks.”
…..MD United Nigeria Airlines.