The Oyo State Government has inaugurated a committee to develop a 25-year Tourism Master Plan aimed at repositioning the state as a leading tourism destination and strengthening its economy through culture-driven investment.
The initiative is part of the state government’s broader strategy to transform tourism into a major economic driver and attract both domestic and international investors.
The long-term tourism blueprint is expected to provide policy direction for the development of heritage sites, eco-tourism centres and tourism infrastructure across the state.
The committee brings together experts from academia, government and the private sector to design a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable tourism development.
Members of the committee include the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun; Special Adviser on Media and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Sulaiman Olanrewaju; Director General of the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED), Dr. Morohunkola Thomas; and Director General of the Oyo State Investment and Public Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA), Barrister Tilewa Folami.
Other members are. Sunmonu Daud Gbenga, FTAN South-West Vice President; Dr. Olumuyiwa Akande of the Centre for Sustainable Development, University of Ibadan; Professor Lameed Gbadamosi of the Department of Wildlife Management and Ecotourism, University of Ibadan; Ms Abigail Anaba, Chief Experience Officer of Slvir Wif Digitale Limited and communication consultant to the governor; and the Coordinating Director of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs Adejoke Agboola.
The master plan is expected to align tourism investment projects with the state’s long-term development strategy while promoting public-private partnerships in the sector.
Stakeholders say the initiative will also help unlock the economic potential of Oyo State’s cultural heritage and tourism assets while creating employment opportunities for residents.
Reporting By Chioma Ezike.