Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed a comprehensive roadmap to transform the Pacesetter State into a premier tourism hub, positioning the state as the undisputed South-West Nigeria tourism capital. The Governor unveiled his 25-year tourism master plan for the Oyo State tourism hub.
Speaking on Wednesday at the International Tourism Summit Oyo State 2026, the Governor emphasised that his administration has institutionalised the necessary economic enablers to ensure these ambitious developments endure beyond his current tenure.
Building the South-West Nigeria Tourism Capital
The summit, themed “From Groundwork to Governance: Building Tourism That Endures,” served as a platform for the Governor to highlight how infrastructure is driving the state’s cultural economy. Held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, the event gathered global investors to witness the state’s transition from conceptual planning to active execution.
Governor Makinde noted that the revitalisation of major landmarks and the connectivity of rural communities are the twin engines of this growth. He pointed out that the number of tourism activities in Oyo State is projected to surge as security improves and key road networks link the state’s geopolitical zones.
“Some of you here were part of the tour of the Oke Ogun Zone, I hope you can now see why Oyo State is set to become the tourism capital of Southwest Nigeria in the coming years. I usually boast to people that from the train station in Moniya, you can drive at least 180 kilometres on state roads, with no single pothole. At least you can drive Moniya to Iseyin; it’s 65 kilometres. You can drive from Iseyin to Ogbomoso; it is 76 kilometres. And you can drive from Iseyin to Oyo. It’s about 42 kilometers and you won’t see one pothole on those roads.”
Infrastructure Continuity and Investor Confidence
A central pillar of the Governor’s address was the necessity of governance and infrastructure continuity. Addressing the “underlying questions” often held by private sector players, Makinde admitted that political volatility has historically hindered long-term projects in Nigeria.
He cited the 110-kilometre Circular Road—conceived in the early 2000s but left dormant for two decades—as a cautionary tale of what happens when leadership changes scuttle progress.
To mitigate these risks, the current administration has moved to de-personalise governance. “Leadership changes, but systems endure,” Makinde told the audience. He explained that by building robust structures, the state ensures that agreements are honoured regardless of who sits in the Governor’s office. This systemic approach is designed to provide a “protected and enduring” environment for those investing in the Oyo State tourism hub.
The Oyo State 25-Year Tourism Master Plan
The strategy is not merely a collection of projects but a legal and structural framework. The Governor highlighted the Oyo State 25-year tourism master plan committee as a primary example of this institutionalisation. This framework includes specific development plans for assets such as Eleyele Lake and the historic Bower’s Tower.
Regarding Bower’s Tower, the Governor announced a significant milestone: “I am happy to again announce that a 15-year concession agreement has been signed with System Specs Limited for Bower’s Tower.” This move demonstrates that the state is actively engaging the private sector to manage and profit from its cultural heritage.
A Legacy Beyond Political Affiliation
Governor Makinde’s vision for the state transcends partisan lines. He urged residents to support a future leadership that prioritises the state’s interests over political “colouration.
“For us, if you’re from Oyo State, and you’re loyal to Oyo State, and you have faith in your state, and you have the capacity, we will tap you to support the development of Oyo State,” he remarked.
The Governor maintained that his recommendation for a successor would be based on the individual’s ability to maintain the current momentum and ensure that future administrations do not need to “begin again.”
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, echoed these sentiments, praising the infrastructural strides across the state. He advocated for a “South-West Tourism Circuit,” suggesting that the region’s attractions be interconnected to serve as an international gateway.
