OGUN REPOSITIONING TOURISM FOR INCLUSIVITY – GOV. ABIODUN
OGUN REPOSITIONING TOURISM FOR INCLUSIVITY – GOV. ABIODUN
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making tourism a key driver of inclusive growth and economic diversification, as part of efforts to reposition the state as Nigeria’s leading destination for cultural and creative tourism.
Speaking at a symposium to mark the 2025 World Tourism Day at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, themed “Tourism and Sustainable Development."
The governor, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, highlighted the sector’s potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and stimulate local economies.
He noted that Ogun State had taken bold steps in this direction, particularly through the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government to establish the Renewed Hope Cultural Village. According to him, the celebration of World Tourism Day in Ogun further underscores the importance of tourism in cultural preservation and social connection.
Abiodun also pointed to ongoing training and skill acquisition programmes for youths and women in tourism-related ventures such as Adire production, which has gained international recognition on global fashion runways.
“Our creative economy is being nurtured to tell the Ogun story in ways that resonate locally and internationally,” he said.
Chairman, House Committee on Arts, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Segun Kaka, restated the commitment of lawmakers to supporting tourism development through enabling legislation.
Delivering the United Nations Secretary-General’s message, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, emphasized that tourism remains a powerful engine of opportunity capable of creating jobs, strengthening human connections, and driving inclusive change.
“Tourism must be inclusive, equitable, and green if it is to truly fulfill its promise of sustainable transformation,” he stressed.
Fagbayi also cited the transformation of the iconic Olumo Rock Tourist Centre as one of the present administration’s remarkable achievements, assuring that government would continue to improve infrastructure, safety, and amenities at tourist sites to boost inflow and local economies. He further called for stronger stakeholder partnerships to make tourism truly sustainable.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Prince Adebola Basibo-Odoru, said Ogun State’s tourism roadmap is being aligned with sustainability principles, including eco-friendly practices, community-driven initiatives, and cultural preservation.
“We are determined to push the tourism sector in the state and make it a focal point for development,” he added.
Delivering a lecture titled “Sustainable Tourism for a Better Future,” UNIFERS Programme Coordinator, Obafemi Awolowo University, Sango-Ota Study Centre, Dr. Harrison Edo, called on stakeholders to support government’s efforts in building the sector.
He expressed optimism that with the right investments and partnerships, Nigeria’s tourist centres could be transformed into world-class destinations that attract global visitors and promote national development.
Also speaking, the President, Hoteliers Association, Ogun State Chapter, Alhaji Olajide Sodunke, stressed that hospitality remains central to tourism and sustainable development, urging the state government to continue improving major infrastructure for easy access to historical sites across the state. He also called on investors at home and abroad to key into the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative in the tourism sector.
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