As part of efforts to promote tourism and culture in Ogun State, the famous Olumo Rock Tourist Centre in Abeokuta will be open to members of the public free of charge from now until the end of September this year.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, who made the announcement yesterday at the inauguration of the newly renovated tourist complex, said the gesture was to encourage people to embrace tourism as well as appreciate the richness of their culture.
The complex has a galleria that contains artworks made up of pictures of eminent Nigerians, a gazebo, a restaurant that will serve both local and continental dishes, shops for selling adire fabrics, and a standby generator that will power the newly installed elevators and other facilities.
Olumo Rock, the governor noted, is more than a majestic outcrop or an assemblage of stones; it represents a sanctuary of strength, a symbol of refuge, and an identity for a people.
“For centuries, it has stood tall, offering safety and identity to the Egba people in times of conflict and change.
“Renovating this sacred site is not just about infrastructure; it is about reviving memory, rekindling pride and reaffirming our cultural roots. The site connects us to our roots.
“We recognise that tourism, when properly developed, has the capacity to generate employment, attract investment, promote cultural understanding, and serve as a catalyst for community development,” he said.
The governor noted that his administration would continue to prioritize tourism as a strategic pillar of the ISEYA development agenda, emphasizing that when properly developed, it could impact the local economy, generate employment opportunities, and boost the revenue of the State.
