Oyo State to Unveil Six Investment-Ready Sites at 2025 International Tourism Summit

Summary

• Oyo State to spotlight six high-impact, investment-ready tourism destinations at ITSOyoState2025
• Summit to be held from July 22–24, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan
• Investors to engage in site tours, roundtable pitches, and infrastructure showcases
• Summit website launched: https://tourism.oyostate.gov.ng/its-oyo-2025

Ibadan, Nigeria — Oyo State, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, will unveil six investment-ready tourism destinations during the second edition of the International Tourism Summit Oyo State (ITSOyoState2025), slated for July 22–24, 2025, at the University of Ibadan’s International Conference Centre.

According to a statement by Dr. Sulaiman Olarewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, the summit website is now live to provide global stakeholders with information and access to participation.

Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and Chair of the Planning Committee, noted that the featured sites span Ibadan and other key locations across the state. The summit aims to attract local and international investors, foster public-private partnerships, and accelerate Oyo’s emergence as a tourism-powered economic hub in Nigeria.

“Tourism has become a key pillar in our economic diversification strategy,” said Olatubosun, highlighting the Makinde administration’s investments in road infrastructure, security, regulatory reforms, and digital investor services as crucial enablers of growth in the sector.

Investment Spotlight: The “Focused Six”

Though the final lineup is yet to be officially confirmed, the summit will focus on sites identified as “The Focused Six” during the 2024 edition:

1. Cultural Centre, Ibadan – undergoing major restoration, with a minimum investment entry of ₦1 billion
2. Bower’s Tower
3. Eleyele Waterfront
4. Idere Hills
5. Iyake Suspended Lake
6. Iyamapo Hills

Investment entry points begin at N250 million, with projected returns of 50–60% annually over five years, based on evaluations by a top-tier tourism advisory firm.

Summit Highlights

Over three days, the summit will feature immersive experiences and high-level engagements, including:

• Guided Site Tours to heritage-rich destinations like royal palaces and eco-attractions
• Investment Roundtable, where government-backed projects will be pitched directly to investors
• Infrastructure Showcases spotlighting upgraded roads, improved security, streamlined regulations, and digital support systems
• Cultural Exhibitions and Networking, offering platforms for collaboration across sectors and borders

A Model for Tourism-Driven Growth

Oyo State’s revitalized infrastructure and pro-investment policies have positioned it as one of West Africa’s most promising tourism investment destinations. The 2025 summit is expected to attract a broad mix of participants, including foreign embassies, development partners, financial institutions, tourism operators, and private investors.

The planning committee is chaired by Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun and includes senior government officials such as the Commissioner for Finance, the Executive Adviser on Agribusiness, and the Special Adviser on Media.

Building on 2024’s Momentum

The upcoming summit builds on the success of the 2024 edition, which showcased Oyo’s potential for tourism-led development through effective public-private-development partnerships. The state continues to leverage its cultural heritage and natural assets to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

For participation details and updates, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the summit’s official website: https://tourism.oyostate.gov.ng/its-oyo-2025 or contact the Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA).