Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has stressed the need for continuity in governance and policy implementation, declaring that the state is on course to become the tourism capital of South-West Nigeria due to deliberate investments in infrastructure, institutional frameworks and long-term development plans.
Speaking at the International Tourism Summit Oyo State 2026 held at the University of Ibadan, Makinde said investors’ confidence in tourism and other sectors depends largely on whether succeeding administrations sustain existing policies and agreements.
The governor noted that his administration has focused on building systems rather than projects tied to personalities, adding that tourism development in the state has been deliberately institutionalised to outlive his tenure.
According to him, the state has already laid strong foundations through road infrastructure, improved security and tourism development frameworks capable of attracting both local and foreign investors.
Makinde cited the quality of road networks linking Moniya, Iseyin, Ogbomoso and Oyo towns as evidence of his administration’s commitment to opening up tourism corridors and improving access to key destinations across the state.
He warned that inconsistent policies and abandoned projects discourage private sector investment, referencing the long delay experienced by the 110-kilometre Circular Road project, which was conceived in the early 2000s but stalled for about two decades before work resumed under his administration.
The governor maintained that continuity would remain critical beyond his tenure, stating that the people of the state must carefully choose leaders capable of sustaining developmental strides already recorded.
Makinde also disclosed that the state recently signed a 15-year concession agreement with SystemSpecs for the management of Bower’s Tower as part of efforts to strengthen tourism assets and attract long-term investment.
He reiterated that his administration’s approach to governance prioritises competence, loyalty to the state and development over political affiliation.
Former Governor of Ekiti State and former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi, who spoke at the summit, commended Makinde for infrastructural development across Oyo State and urged him to continue promoting policy continuity as a tool for sustainable growth.
Fayemi stressed that tourism development must be institutionalised rather than personalised, adding that the sector should be treated as a major economic driver capable of boosting regional integration and economic prosperity.
He also advocated the establishment of a South-West Tourism Circuit that would connect tourism destinations across states in the region.
Other stakeholders at the summit, including filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and investors in the tourism sector, praised the state government for improving road infrastructure and positioning Oyo State as a custodian of culture, history and heritage tourism in Nigeria.
