In the heat of the 2019 election campaign, I had the rare privilege of attending a series of press briefings and media engagements addressed by Engineer Seyi Makinde at Omituntun House, Iwo Road, Ibadan. These sessions were coordinated by Alhaji Akeem Azeez, a brother and colleague in the media industry. At one of the briefings, while most of my colleagues focused on political questions, I took a different approach—one driven by personal conviction.
I asked: “Tourism is one of the low-hanging fruits that can generate income for Oyo State. I What are your plans to develop it into a viable source of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)?”
Governor Makinde’s answer at the time was honest and pragmatic. His administration, he said, would initially focus on healthcare, education, and infrastructure. I accepted that response—those were foundational areas that needed urgent attention.
But now, six years down the line, I can boldly affirm: Governor Makinde has not only answered my question—he has done so with bold, strategic vision and action.
From Promise to Policy: The Tourism Reset Agenda
In 2025, Governor Makinde unveiled a landmark initiative—the Tourism Reset Agenda—a comprehensive roadmap signalling a major policy shift in how Oyo State approaches tourism. The agenda was announced during the International Tourism Summit 2025, held at the University of Ibadan’s International Conference Centre.
In his keynote address, the Governor declared: “Tourism is not an afterthought. It is a strategic lever for development.”
He explained that the state’s goal is to build a sustainable tourism economy—one capable of funding itself and contributing to Oyo’s broader economic future. This vision is anchored on five executive-level commitments:
1. Direct Executive Oversight: The Ministry of Culture and Tourism now reports directly to the Governor, ensuring swift decision-making and efficient project coordination.
2. Tourism Investor Liaison Unit: A dedicated desk within OYSIPA (Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency) to serve as a single-entry point for investors, offering a guaranteed 72-hour response time to inquiries.
3. The Tourism Compact: All major tourism-related agreements will now be tied to a binding five-page document that outlines project scope, land status, timelines, and penalties for non-performance.
4. Transparent Communications: A Tourism Investment Dashboard will go live, displaying signed MOUs, project statuses, government commitments, and contact officers—publicly accessible via the state’s tourism website.
5. Performance over Promises: Makinde emphasised that while perfection isn’t promised, accountability and transparency are now the new baseline.
Ground Realities: From Vision to Tangible Change
This ambitious policy agenda is not just rhetoric; it is a genuine commitment. The state is already witnessing significant strides in tourism-related development.
Accessibility, a significant hurdle in tourism growth, is being addressed head-on. Previously, accessing iconic destinations like the Suspended Lake in Ado-Awaye (Iseyin LGA) and Idere Hills in Ibarapa was a daunting task due to poor road conditions. Today, rehabilitated roads and infrastructure upgrades have made these hidden gems more reachable and tourist-friendly.
The ongoing transformation of the Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan is another cornerstone project. Upon completion, it will serve as a key gateway for inbound tourism, connecting local and international travellers to Oyo State’s rich tapestry of heritage and natural wonders.
The Tourism Summit was more than a ceremonial event. With the theme “Invest in Heritage, Leave a Legacy,” it featured tours of tourism zones in Ibadan and Oyo, investment pitch sessions, exhibitions, and panel discussions with global thought leaders. The summit served as both a showcase and a clarion call: Oyo State is ready for business.
Boosting the Hospitality Sector with Global Brands
Perhaps one of the most remarkable outcomes of Governor Makinde’s tourism-forward policy is the growing interest from the hospitality and leisure industry. As a result of its infrastructural development and investor-friendly policies, Oyo State is now witnessing a surge in hospitality investments, with several international hotel and resort brands establishing operations or entering into partnerships across the state.
This influx is not only transforming the urban and peri-urban tourism landscape but also contributing significantly to job creation, local enterprise growth, and increased IGR. The state’s improved connectivity, safety, and transparent investment protocols have made it an attractive destination for global hospitality players looking to tap into Nigeria’s expanding domestic tourism market.
The Power of Practical Tourism
My understanding of tourism was shaped under the mentorship of Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, a renowned tourism journalist and practitioner, and now lawyer. His philosophy of “practical tourism”—transforming theory into tangible impact—remains my compass.
In that spirit, I must commend Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, the former Special Adviser on Tourism, who tirelessly championed local tourism during his tenure. From cultural festivals to strategic inspections, he ensured that tourism remained at the forefront of his efforts.
The current Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, and his energetic team have sustained this momentum. Their collaboration with OYSIPA, cultural groups, and diaspora partners is gradually yielding results—from youth employment programs to community-led conservation projects tied to tourist sites.
Building a Legacy That Lasts
Governor Makinde ended his summit address with a stirring message:
“The future of heritage is not nostalgia; it is strategy — and in Oyo State, it is investable.”
Indeed, tourism in Oyo State has moved beyond lip service. It now represents a coordinated blend of policy, infrastructure, opportunity, and performance.
And so, six years after I asked that question in 2019, the answer is now crystal clear—not just in words, but in roads built, compacts signed, dashboards launched, hospitality investments secured, and heritage revived.
Oyo State has not only embraced tourism; it is building a legacy with it.
