FEDERAL LAWMAKER, HON AJIBOLA MURAINA MOVED MOTION ON THE NEED TO RECOGNIZE AND DEVELOP IDERE HILLS AS AN INTERNATIONAL TOURIST CENTRE

Hon Dr Ajibola Muraina, the Honourable Member representing Ibarapa Central/ Ibarapa North Federal Constituency moved a motion
at the Wednesday 23rd February, 2022 plenary of the 9th House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on THE NEED FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO RECOGNIZE AND DEVELOP THE IDERE HILLS, IN IBARAPA CENTRAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF OYO STATE, AS AN INTERNATIONAL TOURIST CENTRE.

The full text of the motion is as follows:

The House:

Notes that in 2019, the tourism industry contributed 10.4% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which decreased to 5.5% in 2020 due to the restrictions placed on global travels following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic;

Also notes that several African countries have developed thriving and sustainable tourism industries as may be seen in Morocco where the tourism industry contributed 18% of the country’s GDP in 2019;

Further notes that in 2019, the tourism industry contributed $1.5 billion to Nigeria’s economy, which decreased due to the outbreak of covid-19 and the restrictions placed on international travels;

Concerned that the Nigerian tourism industry remains relatively undeveloped despite the uniqueness, richness and diversity of Nigeria’s tourism resources;

Believes that the tourism industry in Nigeria has the potential of contributing much more to the economy, provided that the Federal Government, the 36 States Governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) put in place measures to harness the potentials of the numerous natural tourist attractions that abound in the country;

Aware that Idere Hills situated in Idere town in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of Oyo State, which is about a 2-hour drive from Ibadan, is gradually emerging as a new tourism centre as it has been attracting patronage from Local and International tourists;

Also aware that Idere Hills is endowed with about 14 natural attractions, among which are a suspended lake, unexploited caves, beautiful topography, unusually shaped rocks, friendly weather and a fortress and is blessed with several historic artefacts and archaeological materials which are yet to be studied and documented by the National Library and the National Museum;

Observes that the inhabitants of Idere town and the adjoining settlements often organize annual carnivals, which attract visitors from all over the world and the Government of Oyo State has been promoting and developing Idere Hills as an emerging and thriving International tourism centre;

Cognizant that if Idere Hills, is officially recognized and developed as an international tourism centre, the benefits to the country would be enormous, including protection of the environment, preservation of natural resources and conservation of wild life as well as preservation of the cultural heritage of the inhabitants, hence providing socio-economic benefits for the host communities, Oyo State and the country as a whole;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Government to officially declare Idere Hills as an International Tourist Centre in Nigeria and develop it by providing good roads, lodging, hospitals and ancillary services for the comfort of tourists and the inhabitants who may require them;

(ii) mandate the Committees on Culture and Tourism to ensure compliance and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

The motion was Seconded by Hon. Ndudi Elumelu (Minority Leader of the House) representing Aniocha/ Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State and Hon Linda Ikpeazu from Anambra State and the House unanimously adopted the motion together with the prayers
(i) Urge the Federal Government to officially declare Idere Hills as an International Tourism Centre in Nigeria and develop it by providing good roads, lodging, hospitals and ancillary services for the comfort of tourists and the inhabitants who may require them;

(ii) mandate the Committees on Culture and Tourism to ensure compliance and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.