As part of efforts to improve the economy through the promotion of tourism development in Ogun State, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is set to collaborate with Xtralarge Farm and Resort on Agritourism Development.

Commissioner in the Ministry, Hon. Oluwasesan Fagbayi revealed this, during a meeting with the Management of Xtralarge Farms and Resort in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, saying the collaboration would significantly impact on the tourism development of the State and affect the economy positively.  

Hon. Fagbayi expressed the State Government's willingness to collaborate with credible private organisations as well as affirming its readiness to offer institutional support and backings.

The Commissioner appreciated the organization for the effort in promoting Agritourism, which had been supportive to knowledge exchange, market development and the associated value chain in the tourism sector.

Speaking, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Quudus Yusuff, expressed enthusiasm for partnering with the Ministry, assuring of the commitment to support any organization aiming to promote tourism development in the State.

Unveiling plans for this year World Tourism Day, Director of Tourism Development and Promotion, Mr. Micheal Ogunbiyi said this year celebration would hold a day symposium for all stakeholders in the sector, designed to bring to spotlight, the state's rich cultural heritage and tourism potentials with the theme : 'Tourism and Sustainable Transformation'.

          He emphasised on the role of tourism as a catalyst for sustainable development and economic growth, highlighting the sector's multi-faceted nature that include,  agritourism, sports tourism, medical tourism, and transportations.

 Contributing, Managing Director of Xtralarge Farm and Resort, Dr. Moji Davids said the farm had in its kitty, the first artificial mountain and waterfall as well as an ongoing construction of an artificial beach in partnership with Government of Bahamas, revealing that the project was part of a broader vision to position Ogun State as a premier Tourism destination in West Africa.

 Dr. Davids also informed that the farm would organize a festival on World Tourism day with a resolve to showcase agriculture heritages and serve as a platform that would attract youths into farming, saying that the festival will hold on farm in a unique agricultural setting.