Some residents of Epe on the coastline of Lagos State yesterday urged Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to resuscitate abandoned tourist and heritage sites across the community.
They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the revival would reposition the tourism industry.
A resident, Mr. Sulaiman Oluwo, said the abandoned sites had hindered the development of the sector.
He said the community was blessed with enormous tourism potential that could attract local and international tourists.
A tourist, Opeyemi Ibrahim, said Epe was one of the places he loved to visit.
He said he had been visiting Epe in the last few years and found the community interesting for relaxation and entertainment.
“The government needs to promote its enviable potential to attract investors.
“The community is losing millions of naira worth of investment. The government needs to pay attention to it, to boost its economy,” the tourist said.
A businesswoman, Peju Akanji, appealed to the government to revive the moribund industries in Epe, to create employment for the indigenes.
She said their resuscitation would create jobs for youths, and also boost socio-economic development of the community.
“It will increase the local and state governments’ revenue, alleviate poverty and reduce unemployment,” Akanji said.
A resident, Ademola Olufowobi, identified some of the moribund industries to include, Epe Sawmill, the only plywood industry in Epe.
Others, according to him, are Yes Agric, a project of former Governor Raji Fashola in Epe, Water Corporation (Epe Water Works), as well as privately-owned industries such as Oluwalogbon Motors in Ilara-Epe, Nigerian Lamp Industry and Adebowale Electronics, owned by the late Beyioku Adebowale and Oluwo Fish Market. NAN
