Ibadan’s emergence as a leading tourism destination received a major boost as the Ibadan Travel and Tourism Expo (ITTE) was honoured with an Excellence Award at the recently concluded Oyo State 2nd International Tourism Summit 2025.
The prestigious award was presented to the conveners of the expo, Ambassadors Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye, popularly known as The Most Famous Twins in African Tourism, during the Governors’ Dinner and Tourism Excellence Awards held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the International Conference Center, Ibadan.
The event, hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde, brought together key stakeholders in the tourism sector, including policymakers, industry leaders, cultural figures, and development partners, to celebrate individuals and initiatives driving tourism growth in Oyo State.
The Ibadan Travel and Tourism Expo was specifically recognised for its consistent promotion of Destination Ibadan, its creative approach to destination marketing, and its efforts in fostering local and international partnerships within the travel and hospitality industry.
In their acceptance remarks, the Oguntoye Twins expressed deep appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, for their unwavering support and commitment to developing grassroots tourism.
“This honour is a testament to what is possible when we believe in our heritage, promote our stories, and work together to elevate our cities,” they said.
“From Mapo Hall to Bower’s Tower, from Amala spots to the brown roof heritage trails, Ibadan is a canvas of untapped beauty — and we are proud to be its loudest promoters.”
The award further cements the Oguntoye Twins’ status as influential tourism advocates in Nigeria and across the African continent. Their flagship event, now in its third year, has grown to become one of the country’s most impactful regional tourism platforms.
The 2026 edition of the Ibadan Travel and Tourism Expo, slated for April, is expected to build on the momentum of this latest recognition, attracting even greater participation and spotlighting more of Ibadan’s rich cultural and tourism assets.
With this recognition, the message from the summit was clear: Ibadan is ready for global tourism prominence.
