Oyo set to lead South-West tourism with 25-year plan — Makinde

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday said his administration has laid the policy and infrastructural foundation to position the state as the tourism hub of South-West Nigeria and a leading destination in the country.

Makinde stated this at the International Tourism Summit Oyo State 2026, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, with the theme, “From Groundwork to Governance: Building Tourism That Endures.”

The governor said ongoing road projects, improved security, and the revitalisation of major tourist sites would boost tourism activities in the state in the coming years.

According to him, the administration’s focus has moved beyond isolated projects to building systems that can outlive any government in power.

“What we’re doing is institutionalising tourism development,” Makinde said. “We’re building structures that define how decisions are made, aligning institutions around shared goals so that progress does not depend on individuals.”

He pointed to the state’s road infrastructure as evidence of the approach, noting that motorists can now travel 180 kilometres across the Moniya-Iseyin-Ogbomoso and Iseyin-Oyo corridors without encountering potholes.

Makinde also said the 110-kilometre Ibadan Circular Road, conceived in the early 2000s but abandoned for about two decades, is now under construction.

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The governor disclosed that the state had set up a 25-year tourism master plan committee and development frameworks for tourism assets such as Eleyele Lake.

He further announced the signing of a 15-year concession agreement for Bower’s Tower with System Specs Limited after the 2025 summit.

Speaking to investors, Makinde said Oyo State now operates with long-term frameworks that reduce uncertainty and ensure continuity irrespective of political transitions.

On succession, the governor said he would recommend a candidate to the people of Oyo State, stressing that the decision would be based on loyalty to the state and the capacity to sustain development.

“If you’re from Oyo State, loyal to Oyo State, and have the capacity, we will tap you to support its development,” he said. “We are building a state where future administrations will not need to start over.”

Makinde added that the final phase of his administration would focus on ensuring that projects and policies continue beyond his tenure.

Former Ekiti State Governor and former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, commended Makinde for infrastructure development across Oyo State’s geopolitical zones.

Fayemi urged the state to embrace continuity as a development strategy and proposed a South-West Tourism Circuit to connect tourist attractions across the region.

Presenting the 25-Year Tourism Master Plan Framework, Dr. Kola Lawal said the initiative was designed to attract investment and serve as a platform for cultural and regional development.

He noted that Oyo State has significant heritage sites and iconic structures capable of driving tourism growth.

Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and Managing Director of Whatadeal Africa, Obafela Bank-Olemoh, also praised the administration for improving access roads and strengthening the state’s tourism potential.

Both described Oyo as the custodian of Yoruba history, tradition, and culture, which they said remains the state’s strongest tourism advantage.

Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, said the tourism foundation being laid by the administration was anchored on consistency, coordination, and disciplined execution.

Director-General of OYMASED, Dr. Morounkola Thomas, and Director-General of the Oyo State Investment and PPP Agency, Tilewa Folami, also spoke on governance and investment opportunities in the tourism sector.

Secretary of the Organising Committee, Ms. Abigail Anaba, said the summit was aimed at moving tourism development from alignment to execution and urged stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunities being created.

The event was attended by Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal, traditional rulers, service commanders, captains of industry, and other dignitaries.