A- 26 Year old final year Law Student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) beat 21 other contestants on Sunday to emerge Mr Tourism Nigeria 2018.
Ayilola Oluwagbenga Emmanuel whose parent hails from Ekiti State in Ijero local government area was born and raised in Okitipupa local government of Ondo State.
He is the First Yoruba man to Win “Mr Tourism Nigeria” in 8 years – a yearly event being organised by Zanzy Entertainment.
Ayilola was sponsored by G-Afric crypto and logistics Nigeria Limited , supported by the palace of Oba Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife.
The event took place at Red carpet event center, Victoria Island Lagos.
It had personalities from all works of life in attendance including representative of Ondo State Government represented by the Director of Finance, Ondo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Aderinola Adeola.
When asked what motivated him and how can Nigerian government use the untapped goldmine in the tourism sector to benefits the lives of Nigerians, Ayilola said the following:
“I want to serve my country as you know everyone of us cannot occupy a political post. I believe I do not have to be a political office holder before I serve Nigeria. There are so many long awaiting seats which are not political inclined for youths with enthusiasm to demonstrate professionalism towards moving the country to greater height.
“I want to use my office to promote the cultural heritage of Nigeria without any religious, political or ethnic discrimination. This is not for Nigerians alone but for foreigners too.
If nigerians could go on tour to dubai and other tourist sites in foreign countries then foreigners should also take a tour to Nigeria.
“I intend to use my new office to revitalise, resuscitate and rebrand tourism in Nigeria to international standard which will attract tourists from across the world and by so doing generating income for the government which can be used to create jobs for Nigerians”, he said.
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