Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has declared that his administration has laid strong foundations that will position the state as the tourism hub of the Southwest and one of Nigeria’s leading tourism destinations in the coming years.
The governor stated this 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 government officials, tourism experts, investors, hospitality operators, cultural stakeholders and development partners to discuss strategies for expanding the tourism sector in the state and across the country.
Makinde said his administration had deliberately invested in critical infrastructure, security enhancement and institutional reforms aimed at creating an enabling environment for tourism to flourish sustainably.
According to him, the government’s development agenda recognises tourism as a major driver of economic growth, job creation, cultural preservation and international visibility.
The governor explained that ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects connecting towns and communities across the state would improve access to tourism sites and encourage more domestic and international visitors.
He noted that efficient transportation networks remain essential to unlocking the tourism potential of many communities blessed with historical landmarks, cultural festivals and natural attractions.
Makinde stated that improved security across the state was another major factor boosting investor confidence and encouraging tourism-related activities.
He said the government had strengthened collaboration with security agencies while also investing in technology and intelligence gathering to maintain peace and stability in different parts of the state.
According to the governor, security and infrastructure development are inseparable components of tourism growth because visitors and investors are more likely to choose destinations that are accessible and safe.
He further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to revitalise major tourist attractions across Oyo State, with plans to modernise facilities, preserve heritage sites and promote cultural experiences capable of attracting global attention.
Makinde said the state was blessed with enormous tourism assets, ranging from cultural festivals and historical monuments to ecological sites and traditional heritage institutions that could contribute significantly to economic development if properly harnessed.
The governor emphasised that continuity of policies and ideas was central to the sustainability of tourism development, stressing that his administration had institutionalised tourism-focused policies to ensure they outlive political transitions.
He noted that one of the major challenges confronting tourism development in many places was inconsistency in government policies whenever administrations change.
“To build tourism that endures, there must be continuity. We cannot afford to start afresh every four years. Policies and ideas that work must be institutionalised,” Makinde said.
He explained that the state government was working toward establishing systems and frameworks that would support long-term tourism growth regardless of changes in political leadership.
Makinde also called on private investors, development organisations and cultural stakeholders to partner with the government in developing the sector, noting that tourism thrives best when public and private sectors work together.
According to him, tourism possesses enormous economic potential capable of generating revenue, creating employment opportunities for youths and promoting local businesses in hospitality, transportation, entertainment and crafts.
The summit also featured discussions on sustainable tourism development, cultural preservation, digital tourism marketing and strategies for improving tourism infrastructure in Nigeria.
Participants highlighted the need for stronger policy implementation, improved funding and increased collaboration among stakeholders to fully unlock the country’s tourism potential.
Several speakers at the event commended the Oyo State Government for prioritising tourism as part of its economic diversification agenda, noting that many states in the country had yet to fully recognise the sector’s contribution to economic development.
Industry experts also stressed the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting indigenous traditions as part of efforts to attract tourists and strengthen cultural identity.
Observers believe that with its rich history, strategic location and growing infrastructure network, Oyo State has the capacity to emerge as one of Nigeria’s leading tourism destinations if current investments and reforms are sustained.
The International Tourism Summit Oyo State 2026 is expected to produce recommendations and partnerships that could shape the future of tourism development in the state and contribute to broader efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s tourism industry.
