Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said his administration is positioning the state to become the tourism capital of Southwest Nigeria and a major tourism destination in the country.
Makinde stated this at the International Tourism Summit Oyo State 2026 themed “From Groundwork to Governance: Building Tourism That Endures,” held at the University of Ibadan.
The governor said ongoing infrastructure projects, improved security, revitalisation of tourist sites, and policy continuity would boost tourism activities across the state in the coming years.
He noted that his administration had moved beyond initiating projects to building structures capable of sustaining long-term growth in the tourism sector.
According to him, the state has created an investment-friendly environment where projects are guided by frameworks rather than personalities, reducing risks for investors.
Makinde added that initiatives such as the 25-year tourism master plan and development frameworks for tourism assets were designed to institutionalise growth beyond his administration.
He cited the recently signed 15-year concession agreement with System Specs Limited for Bower’s Tower as part of efforts to strengthen tourism infrastructure.
The governor also urged residents and stakeholders to support continuity in governance, stressing that long-term investments require stable policies and systems.
Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi commended Makinde’s infrastructural projects and called for tourism development to be institutionalised rather than personalised.
Fayemi also advocated the creation of a South-West Tourism Circuit to connect tourist attractions across the region and boost international tourism.
Stakeholders at the summit, including filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and Whatadeal Africa Managing Director Obafela Bank-Olemoh, praised the administration’s road infrastructure projects and tourism initiatives, describing Oyo as a key custodian of history and culture.
