Governor Seyi Makinde announced on Wednesday that his administration has implemented policies, infrastructure, and economic enablers positioning Oyo State as the tourism hub of South-West Nigeria and a top national tourism destination.
Speaking at the International Tourism Summit Oyo State 2026 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Makinde emphasized that key infrastructure projects connecting communities, improved security, and efforts to revitalize tourist attractions will significantly boost tourism.
“Some of you here were part of the tour of the Oke Ogun Zone. I hope you can now see why Oyo is set to become the tourism capital of South-West Nigeria in the coming years,” Makinde stated, referencing ongoing road projects that enhance connectivity.
The governor stressed the importance of policy continuity for long-term tourism investment, noting that his administration prioritizes building enduring systems. He cited the 110-kilometre Circular Road project as an example of development delayed by a lack of continuity in the past.
“Leadership changes, but systems endure. So, our focus has been deliberate. For this tourism sector, we’re not just initiating projects, we’re building structures that can sustain them,” Makinde added.
To ensure long-term growth and policy consistency, the state has established a 25-year tourism master plan committee and development frameworks for tourism assets like Eleyele Lake. Furthermore, a 15-year concession agreement has been signed with SystemSpecs for the management of Bower’s Tower.
Addressing investors, Makinde assured them of a stable framework for long-term engagement in Oyo State, characterized by coordinated government efforts and long-term planning.
Former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, commended Makinde for infrastructure development and promoting tourism, urging for the institutionalization of tourism to ensure its sustainability beyond individual administrations. He also proposed a South-West Tourism Circuit.
Kola Lawal, presenting the state’s 25-Year Tourism Master Plan Framework, stated its aim to attract investment and promote Oyo’s cultural and heritage assets. Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and Obafela Bank-Olemoh, MD of Whatadeal Africa, also praised the government’s infrastructure improvements supporting tourism.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatubosun, affirmed that the state's tourism framework is designed for sustained growth and consistent policy implementation.
