Gov. Makinde Has Finally Answered My Tourism Question – With Vision and Action
By Remi Oladoye
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 colleague in the media industry. While most journalists focused on the political landscape, I asked a question driven by personal conviction:
“Tourism is one of the low-hanging fruits that can generate income for Oyo State. What are your plans to develop it into a viable source of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)?”
Governor Makinde’s response at the time was sincere. His immediate priorities were health, education, and infrastructure—foundational sectors that required urgent intervention.
But today, six years down the line, I can boldly affirm: Governor Makinde has not only answered my question—he has done so with bold, strategic action that is transforming Oyo State’s tourism landscape.
From Promise to Policy: The Tourism Reset Agenda
In 2025, Governor Makinde launched the Tourism Reset Agenda, a transformative policy shift designed to reposition tourism as a central pillar of economic development. Announced during the International Tourism Summit 2025 at the University of Ibadan, the agenda introduced concrete institutional reforms and investment frameworks.
In his keynote address, the governor declared:
“Tourism is not an afterthought. It is a strategic lever for development.”
He unveiled five critical commitments:
Direct Executive Oversight – The Ministry of Culture and Tourism now reports directly to the Governor for faster decision-making.
Tourism Investor Liaison Unit – Established within OYSIPA to serve as a single-window for tourism-related investments, with a 72-hour response policy.
The Tourism Compact – All agreements are now tied to a binding five-page document outlining goals, timelines, land use, and mutual accountability.
Transparent Communications – A live Tourism Investment Dashboard will track MOUs, projects, timelines, and responsible officers in real time.
Commitment to Performance – Makinde emphasized that transparency and delivery will outweigh political theatrics.
Ground Realities: From Vision to Tangible Change
Governor Makinde’s agenda is more than policy—it’s visible in the physical transformation of key tourism destinations.
Once-inaccessible landmarks like Ado Awaye’s Suspended Lake and Idere Hills in Ibarapa are now more reachable due to massive road rehabilitation efforts. These upgrades have not only enhanced tourism but also improved local livelihoods.
The revamp of the Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan is another game-changer. When completed, it will provide a crucial link for domestic and international tourists, positioning Oyo State as a tourism hub in Nigeria.
The International Tourism Summit 2025, themed “Invest in Heritage, Leave a Legacy,” marked a new chapter. From investor pitch sessions and cultural exhibitions to heritage tours and expert panels, the summit demonstrated that Oyo is open for global business.
Hospitality Sector Boom and International Recognition
Makinde’s infrastructure drive and investor-friendly climate are yielding results. Oyo State is now witnessing increased investments in the hospitality sector, with international hotel brands making inroads into the state. These developments are enhancing the state’s tourism profile and creating thousands of jobs in the service and creative industries.
Hon. Olatubosun’s Global Impact on Local Tourism
A pivotal figure in this transformation is Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, whose tenure as Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism revolutionized the sector.
His determined efforts to mobilize stakeholders, reawaken public consciousness, and push for an inclusive tourism model have been instrumental in executing Governor Makinde’s vision. His reappointment as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism allowed him to consolidate previous efforts and launch new ideas.
From festivals to international engagements, Dr. Olatubosun’s leadership gave Oyo’s tourism a global stage. His sleepless nights and grassroots mobilization efforts helped shape a more coherent and ambitious strategy for the sector.
Significantly, his advocacy efforts attracted UNESCO’s recognition, with the adoption of select Oyo State cultural festivals as part of its intangible heritage programs. This not only validates the cultural richness of the state but also enhances global tourism interest in Oyo.
The Spirit of Practical Tourism
My mentor, Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, always emphasized “practical tourism”—the conversion of plans into visible outcomes. That principle now defines the tourism sector under Makinde’s leadership.
Praise also goes to Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, former Special Adviser on Tourism, whose active field engagements and passion helped elevate tourism conversations. The synergy among the Governor’s Office, OYSIPA, Dr. Olatubosun’s ministry, and other agencies is now producing real change—from community-led conservation initiatives to diaspora investment programs.
Building a Legacy Beyond Politics
Governor Makinde’s final words at the summit captured the long-term thinking behind it all:
“The future of heritage is not nostalgia; it is strategy—and in Oyo State, it is investable.”
Oyo State has moved beyond rhetoric. Tourism here is now policy, infrastructure, transparency, opportunity—and performance. Six years after I first posed my question, the answer is now written in roads built, airports upgraded, dashboards launched, MOUs signed, festivals celebrated—and a legacy being shaped.
Oyo State has not only embraced tourism.
It is setting the pace with it.
