Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has inaugurated two key committees to drive the state’s tourism development, including a 25-Year Tourism Master Plan Committee and an organising committee for the 2026 International Tourism Summit.
The inauguration, held at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, marks a strategic move by the administration to position the state as a major tourism destination for both local and international visitors.
Makinde said the initiative was part of efforts to build enduring systems and structures that would attract investors and tourists, noting that Oyo State is endowed with valuable tourism assets capable of competing globally.
He stressed that tourism thrives on structure, hospitality, clarity of purpose and continuity, adding that the newly inaugurated committees would play a crucial role in shaping the state’s long-term tourism vision.
“Today is about setting in motion a system that will shape how Oyo State competes, attracts investments and creates opportunities over the next 25 years,” the governor said.
The 25-Year Tourism Master Plan Committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, and includes key stakeholders such as the Director-General of OYSIPA, Mr. Tilewa Folami; Chief Experience Officer of Slvr WIf Digitale Limited, Ms. Abigail Anaba; and academics from the University of Ibadan, among others.
Also inaugurated was the organising committee for the 2026 International Tourism Summit, which includes commissioners, agency heads and senior government officials tasked with delivering what the governor described as a “grand” third edition of the summit.
Makinde noted that the summit, which has been held twice since 2024, would further showcase Oyo State’s growing profile, especially as the state celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Highlighting the importance of long-term planning, the governor charged members of the master plan committee to think beyond the present administration and develop a roadmap that would guide tourism investment and policy for future governments.
He emphasised that tourism development cannot be driven by government alone, calling for collaboration with the private sector and alignment between policy, capital and execution.
Makinde also pointed to several tourism assets across the state, including Oke Iya-Mapo, Igbo Ora and Ikere Gorge Dam, as potential attractions that could draw visitors if properly developed and promoted.
“We want a situation where even if you can’t come to Nigeria, Oyo State will be on the tourism map and people can decide to visit specific destinations here, with direct access to the state capital,” he said.
The governor assured the committees of government’s full support, urging members to commit their expertise to ensuring the success of the initiatives for the benefit of the state.
Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Musibau Babatunde, and other top government officials and members of the Oyo State Elders’ Council.
