Makinde’s ‘Tourism Reset Agenda’ aims to make Oyo regional powerhouse
By Adejayan Gbenga –
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has launched a new initiative tagged the “Tourism Reset Agenda” to reposition the state as a leading tourism destination in Nigeria and West Africa. He unveiled the policy during the 2025 International Tourism Summit at the University of Ibadan’s International Conference Centre.
Addressing stakeholders and investors, Makinde acknowledged past setbacks but assured the audience of his administration’s renewed commitment. “Tourism is serious business, and Oyo State must no longer be left behind,” he declared.
He cited the delayed redevelopment of Agodi Gardens despite an earlier MoU with a private investor. He blamed the delay on bureaucratic bottlenecks and institutional mistrust, vowing that such challenges would be tackled swiftly.
Under the new agenda, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will now report directly to the Governor’s Office. This shift, set to begin after the 2025 Mid-Year Executive Council Review, is aimed at removing red tape and boosting accountability.
A special tourism unit will also be created within the Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPPA) to act as the single entry point for all tourism investments. The unit is mandated to respond to inquiries within 72 hours.
Future tourism contracts will be capped at five pages, detailing project goals, timelines, land status, and penalties for failure. A Tourism Investment Dashboard will be launched to publicly track all MoU implementations and government commitments.
Makinde linked tourism success to infrastructure upgrades such as the ongoing expansion of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport and the first phase of the Ibadan Circular Road. He also cited urban order improvements like tyre reapers to curb one-way traffic violations.
He called on investors to take advantage of the enabling environment. “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,” he said.
