From Culture To Cashflow! Makinde Reveals Long-Term Tourism Master Plan For New Oyo Economy

Seyi Makinde has declared that his administration is laying a strong foundation to position Oyo State as the tourism hub of South-West Nigeria and one of the country’s top tourist destinations....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The governor made the remarks on Wednesday during the International Tourism Summit Oyo State 2026 held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

The summit, themed “From Groundwork to Governance: Building Tourism That Endures,” brought together stakeholders, investors, and tourism experts to discuss the future of the sector.

According to a statement issued by Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor said his administration had continued to invest heavily in infrastructure, security, policy reforms, and economic support systems aimed at driving sustainable tourism growth.

Makinde explained that ongoing road projects across the state would improve accessibility to communities, towns, and tourist attractions, thereby unlocking new opportunities for investment and increasing visitor traffic.

Referring to a recent tour of the Oke Ogun Zone, the governor said participants could now better understand why Oyo was on course to emerge as the tourism capital of the South-West in the coming years.

He also highlighted the quality of the state’s road network, boasting that travelers could drive nearly 180 kilometres from the Moniya train station on state roads without encountering a pothole.

According to him, improved connectivity remains a critical pillar of both the state’s tourism strategy and broader economic agenda.

Makinde further addressed investor concerns about policy continuity beyond his administration, noting that many investors often hesitate because of uncertainty surrounding future governments.

He assured stakeholders that his administration was deliberately building systems and institutions capable of surviving political transitions.

“Governments may change, but institutions and systems should endure,” the governor stated, adding that the tourism sector was being developed through long-term structures rather than temporary political projects.

As an example, Makinde referenced the 110-kilometre Circular Road project, which was first proposed in the early 2000s but suffered delays due to discontinuity in governance.

The governor also disclosed that the state had constituted a committee to develop a 25-year tourism master plan, while additional frameworks were being prepared for strategic tourism assets such as Eleyele Lake.

He revealed that the government had already signed a 15-year concession agreement with SystemSpecs for the management of Bower’s Tower.

Makinde assured investors that Oyo State now offers a more stable and coordinated environment for long-term investment decisions, with policies driven by institutional frameworks and strategic planning.

Earlier at the summit, former Kayode Fayemi praised Makinde’s commitment to infrastructure development and tourism promotion, particularly his efforts toward regional economic integration.

Fayemi, however, stressed that tourism development must be institutionalised rather than centred around individuals if it is to remain sustainable over time.

He also proposed the creation of a South-West Tourism Circuit that would connect major tourist destinations across the region.

Meanwhile, Kola Lawal, while presenting the framework for the state’s 25-year tourism master plan, explained that the initiative was designed to attract investors and showcase Oyo’s rich cultural and heritage assets.

Celebrated filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and Obafela Bank-Olemoh, Managing Director of Whatadeal Africa, also commended the state government for improving road infrastructure to support tourism development.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatubosun, said the framework under development would provide coordination, consistency, and sustainable growth for the tourism sector in the years ahead.