Oyo state unveils ambitious ‘tourism reset agenda’ to attract investment

Summary

• Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has launched a “Tourism Reset Agenda,” a new blueprint aimed at streamlining the tourism sector and making it a key economic driver
• The plan includes moving the Ministry of Culture and Tourism under the governor’s direct supervision and establishing a Tourism Investor Liaison Unit
• A public-facing Tourism Investment Dashboard will go live next month, providing transparent information on all signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and project statuses
• The state has identified five investment-ready sites, including Eleyele Lake and Idere Hills, seeking private sector collaboration to develop them into self-sustaining tourism hubs

Ibadan, Nigeria – Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday unveiled a strategic “Tourism Reset Agenda,” designed to unlock the state’s tourism potential and transform it into a robust, self-sustaining economic engine.

Speaking at the grand finale of the 2025 International Tourism Summit, held at the University of Ibadan’s International Conference Centre, Governor Makinde emphasised a clear shift towards making tourism a primary driver of economic growth.

According to a statement from his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the new roadmap includes pivotal changes such as placing the Ministry of Culture and Tourism directly under the governor’s oversight. This move is intended to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and facilitate swift decision-making.

Other key components of the agenda include the establishment of a dedicated Tourism Investor Liaison Unit and the launch of a public-facing Tourism Investment Dashboard, set to go live next month. The dashboard will offer unprecedented transparency, displaying details of every signed MoU, their current status, contact officers, and outstanding government commitments.

“Transparency is not a bonus—it is the new baseline,” Governor Makinde declared, signalling a firm commitment to open communication and accountability. The agenda also introduces a “Tourism Compact,” a concise five-page MoU template that outlines clear project milestones, timelines, and responsibilities for both parties.

Governor Makinde highlighted that the state’s tourism development strategy is intrinsically linked to broader objectives of infrastructure renewal, youth employment, community-led conservation, and diaspora engagement. He revealed that Oyo State currently boasts five “investment-ready sites,” ranging from Eleyele Lake to Idere Hills.

“With five investment-ready sites… we are integrating tourism with urban renewal and sustainable development. The goal is clear: to build a tourism economy that funds itself and funds our future,” he asserted.

Addressing the delayed redevelopment of Agodi Gardens, for which an MoU was signed with an investor in 2024, the governor candidly attributed the setback to “institutional bottlenecks.” However, he assured attendees of his commitment to resolving these issues and moving forward with the project.

The three-day summit, themed “Invest in Heritage, Leave a Legacy,” featured comprehensive site tours across Ibadan and Oyo zones, investor pitches, exhibitions, and a panel discussion titled “Heritage as Capital: Reimagining Africa’s Cultural Assets for Sustainable Growth.”

Notable investment pitches focused on key tourism assets such as Eleyele Lake (dubbed “Discover Blue Gold”), Ibadan Cultural Centre (“Stage the Future”), Bower’s Tower (“The View That Pays”), and Idere Hills/Iyake Lake (“Climb into Nature’s ROI”).

The event drew a strong attendance from top government officials, including Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Speaker of the House Adebo Ogundoyin, Secretary to the State Government Professor Olanike Adeyemo, and Chief of Staff Segun Ogunwuyi, as well as various commissioners. Traditional rulers and members of the Oyo Elders’ Council were also present.

In his concluding remarks, Governor Makinde extended an earnest invitation to investors: “We are not promising perfection, but we are committing to performance. Let us build a legacy together.”

The “Tourism Reset Agenda” represents a bold step by the Oyo State government to reposition its tourism sector for sustainable growth and to attract the vital private investment needed to achieve its ambitious vision.