The State of Osun will leverage on the 2014 edition of the annual conference of the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) to market its abundant tourism potentials, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Sunday Akere, has said. Speaking while receiving BJAN representatives, Akerele said Osun, under the watch of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, is always willing to identify with individuals and organisations that could aid its developmental drive for the state.

BJAN leadership, led by its National Chairman, Goddie Ofose, had paid a courtesy visit to the commissioner to inform him of the decision by his association to settle for the State of Osun as venue of this year’s conference as a result of the giant strides the state has recorded in the area of tourism. The topic for the conference, which will hold between November 20 and 23, is ‘Tourism marketing as catalyst for economic development’. The 2013 edition was held in Ogun State.

According to Ofose, “BJAN members have taken the pains to follow up the activities of the State of Osun in the area of tourism, particularly the way the annual Osun Osogbo cultural fiesta has suddenly turned into an international festival. We do not only consider it necessary to reel out the economic benefits of tourism; we want to add our voices to how it can be better marketed. We want other states to learn from Osun and we want Federal Government to invest more in the industry.”

Responding, Akere described the Aregbesola-led administration as a media-friendly government that would continue to contribute its quota to every step taken to add value to journalism practice in the country.

He said: “As a government that appreciates the place of effective communication in government, the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has always regarded the media as a major partner in the journey to touch lives and bring rapid development into the State of Osun.”

While assuring BJAN that he would table the proposal before Governor Aregbesola, the commissioner called on media practitioners not to derail in their responsibility as watchdogs and agenda setters in the society. He said Nigeria’s democracy needs effective media to blossom.

Speakers expected at the conference include President, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Femi Adesina; MD, Chain Reaction, Israel Jaiye Opayemi; and COO, 141 Worldwide, Bunmi Oke.

Hon. Akere has been penciled down to open the conference while it will be chaired by the Registrar Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Alhaji Garba Bello-Kankarofi.

•Photo shows State of Osun Governor Aregbesola.