The honourable commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Oyo State, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun and other stakeholders used this year’s occasion of 2025 World Tourism Day to chart way forward for sustainable transformation of the tourism sector in the State.
This year’s celebration will linger in memories of tourist enthusiasts through novel way the ministry blend Oyo rich cultural heritage to the tour.
Women in Hospitality Nigeria (WIHN), Oyo state chapter in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism organised and celebrated 2025 World Tourism Day with touch of class where participants comprising WIHN members, stakeholders and investors were taking round tourist sites in Ibadan metropolis. A shift from what was done last year where tourists explore Sogidi Lake in Awe and others in Oyo town.
The first point of visit for this year’s celebration was the Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan, participants were conducted round the expansive garden by the designated staff of the Zoo, participants explored and saw animals as if they were in their natural habitats.
After leaving the Zoological Garden, the next point of tour was the Irefin Palace, one of the oldest palaces in Ibadan. At the historic palace that has over 100 rooms, participants heard background information about the occupant of the Palace through his grandchildren and other family members present. The atmosphere was calm as they took their time to unwind and relearn some things. After spending productive time at the Palace, they proceeded to Captain Bower’s Tower located in Oke-Aremo, the Honourable Commissioner, Dr Olatubosun briefed participants how Ibadan people decided to immortalise Captain Bower, a British representative who stayed in Ibadan on the order of the British government . He reminded them that few individuals have executed a project in the facility in order to add value to the monument.
Participants had fun, hangout and exploring Bower’s Tower, many climbed the spiral staircase where two individuals going up and coming down can’t meet.
The tour took the participants to the Ancient Mapo Hall and later left for National Museum of Unity, located in Aleshinloye Ibadan for grand finale of the event, at the Museum, participants were received with a joyous atmosphere with drums, trumpet and songs.
They were taken round the facility at the Museum, and participants expressed satisfaction before the final lap of the celebration which was the panel session on “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”.
The Regional Director, Women in Hospitality Nigeria (WIHN), Mrs Mrs Olukemi Olusola called on all stakeholders to invest in tourist sites in Ibadan. She reminded everyone present that Oyo has potential in the tourism sector. She described World Tourism Day as a day to celebrate, deepen collaboration, and strategic partnerships that will set agenda for sustainable transformation of tourism sector.
Mrs Pamela Oriyomi Otuka, Director, National Museum of Unity, Ibadan welcomes everyone to the 2025 World Tourism Day, she described the initiative between WIHN and Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism as laudable. She emphasised that women have always been an active players in the hospitality sector. She called for leadership position for women to boost empathy, creativity and sustainability of the sector.
The panel session which had experts in the hospitality business afforded them the opportunity to brainstorm, set an agenda for sustainable transformation of tourism in Oyo State.
The Honourable Commissioner, Dr Olatubosun identified four key indicators for tourism to thrive in Oyo State. He remarked that Oyo State is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
He stressed that administration of Gov Seyi Makinde has revived the rich cultural heritage of Oyo State. Dr Olatubosun cited that the ministry under his care has successfully conducted 90 programmes in 2025, and partnered with well-meaning organisations. He noted Oyo never had any festival recognised by UNESCO before Gov Makinde came on board but now, “we are proud UNESCO has recognised Sango Festival and enlisted it among intangible festivals, receiving a certificate in 2025”.
He said that the administration of Gov Makinde has revived Egungun Festival and tapped the entertainment part of it to boost the image of the State, he stressed that 2026 edition coming up in May will be a success story.
The commissioner charged the individuals, reputable groups and global organisation to partner with Oyo State. He stressed that to achieve sustainable transformation of tourism, holistic approach that blends cultural preservation, community development and modern infrastructure development are key.