Makinde launches ‘Tourism Reset Agenda’ to position Oyo as West Africa’s tourism hub
By Adejayan Gbenga
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has unveiled a bold new strategy to revamp the state’s tourism sector under an initiative tagged the Tourism Reset Agenda. The policy shift, aimed at transforming Oyo into a leading tourism destination in Nigeria and West Africa, was announced during the 2025 International Tourism Summit held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
Addressing a gathering of stakeholders, investors, and industry experts, Governor Makinde acknowledged the sector’s past challenges but reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalizing it. “Tourism is serious business, and Oyo State must no longer be left behind,” he said.
Citing the stalled redevelopment of Agodi Gardens—despite an existing MoU with a private investor—Makinde attributed the delay to bureaucracy and a lack of institutional trust. He assured attendees that such issues would be resolved swiftly moving forward.
As part of the Tourism Reset Agenda, the governor announced five major reforms. First, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will now report directly to the Governor’s Office starting from the 2025 Mid-Year Executive Council Review, in a move designed to enhance accountability and reduce red tape.
Secondly, a dedicated tourism unit will be established under the Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPPA). This new arm will handle all tourism-related investment matters and is expected to respond to investor inquiries within 72 hours.
Makinde also revealed that all new tourism agreements will be limited to five pages, containing clear project objectives, timelines, land status details, and penalties for non-performance. Additionally, a real-time Tourism Investment Dashboard will go live next month, offering the public access to monitor MoU implementations via the state’s tourism website.
The governor linked the sector’s success to ongoing infrastructure developments, highlighting key projects like the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport and the first phase of the Ibadan Circular Road. He also noted the introduction of urban control measures, such as tyre reapers, to promote orderliness and support tourism growth.
Governor Makinde concluded with a call to action for both local and foreign investors: “We are not promising perfection, but we are committing to performance. If you’ve been watching from the sidelines, this is your call—let us build legacy together.”
