The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to making tourism a key driver of inclusive growth, empowerment, and economic diversification, in a bid to reposition the state as Nigeria’s foremost destination for cultural and creative tourism.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, made this pledge at the 48th edition of World Tourism Day held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, with the theme “Tourism for Sustainable Transformation.”
Abiodun said his administration had deliberately gone beyond physical infrastructure to promote tourism through inclusivity and empowerment.
He noted that the state has introduced skill acquisition and training programmes targeted at women and youths in tourism-related ventures, especially Adire production, which he said had already earned international recognition on global fashion platforms.
“Our creative economy is being nurtured to tell the Ogun story in ways that resonate both locally and globally,” the governor said.
He disclosed that the state had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government to establish the Renewed Hope Cultural Village.
According to him, the project would help preserve historical sites, empower young creatives, and cement Ogun’s place as a hub for cultural tourism.
Delivering the United Nations Secretary-General’s message at the event, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, described tourism as a “powerful engine of opportunity” capable of creating jobs, building human connections, and driving inclusive change.
“Tourism must be inclusive, equitable, and green if it is to truly fulfill its promise of sustainable transformation,” Fagbayi said.
The commissioner added that the Abiodun administration had advanced tourism through community-based initiatives, cultural heritage promotion, and events such as the Gateway Games.
He also noted that investments in access roads and other infrastructure had boosted tourist inflows to Abeokuta and other parts of the state.
“The ongoing transformation of the iconic Olumo Rock Tourist Centre remains one of the most remarkable achievements of this administration,” Fagbayi stressed, urging stakeholders to partner with government to make tourism more sustainable.
In his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Prince Adebola Basibo-Odoru, reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainability principles, highlighting eco-friendly practices, cultural preservation, and community-driven initiatives as key focus areas.
He assured that Ogun would continue to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that tourism remains a catalyst for inclusive growth and improved living standards across the state.
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