Ogun Repositioned as Nigeria’s Premier Cultural and Tourism Destination – Gov Abiodun

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Governor Dapo Abiodun announced on September 27 that his administration is taking significant steps to establish Ogun State as Nigeria’s premier hub for cultural and creative tourism. 

Speaking at the 48th World Tourism Day, themed “Tourism for Sustainable Transformation”, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta, the governor outlined a vision to make tourism a cornerstone of inclusive economic growth.

Represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Abiodun highlighted initiatives aimed at empowering women and youth through training in tourism-related fields, particularly the globally recognised Adire fabric industry. The state has also revitalised key attractions, such as the Olumo Rock Tourist Complex, which is now equipped with modern infrastructure, enhanced safety measures, and creative spaces like the Nike Arts Gallery.

He said, “In line with this, our administration has taken bold steps to reposition Ogun State as Nigeria’s leading destination for cultural and creative tourism. We have renovated and expanded the Olumo Rock Tourist Complex, transforming it into a world-class site with modern infrastructure, enhanced safety, and creative spaces, including the Nike Arts Gallery. 

“Beyond physical infrastructure, we have committed to inclusivity and empowerment. Our youth and women are being trained for tourism-related opportunities; our cultural industries, particularly Adire, are now recognised on global fashion runways; and our creative economy is being nurtured to tell Ogun’s story in ways that resonate both locally and internationally.”

As reported by DailyPost, Governor Abiodun officially opened the 2025 World Tourism Day celebrations, urging citizens, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs, and partners to collaborate in preserving and promoting Ogun State’s cultural treasures on a global stage.

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The State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sesan Fagbayi, delivered the UN Secretary-General’s message, emphasising tourism’s potential to create jobs, foster human connections, and drive equitable change. 

He emphasised the importance of inclusive, equitable, and environmentally sustainable tourism in achieving a genuine transformation. “The transformation of the iconic Olumo Rock Tourist Centre remains one of the most remarkable achievements of the present administration. All hands must be on deck to create jobs and improve the living standards of our people through tourism,” Fagbayi said.

In his welcome address, Adebola Basibo-Odoru, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure tourism drives sustainable and inclusive growth across Ogun State.

The event was attended by notable figures, including Adetunji Fadina, National President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria; Hon. Kaka Segun, Chairman of the Ogun State House Committee on Arts, Culture & Tourism; Qudus Yusuf, Permanent Secretary of the Ogun Ministry of Culture and Tourism; and Dr. Harrison Edo, Coordinator of UNIFECS Programmes at Obafemi Awolowo University, Sango-Ota Study Centre.

Explore Ogun: Discover the vibrant culture, climb the revitalised Olumo Rock, and take home a piece of authentic Adire fabric. Your adventure awaits!

Plan Your Visit: Experience the new Olumo Rock Tourist Complex and see for yourself why Ogun State is Nigeria’s rising cultural destination. Start planning your trip today!

Support Local Artisans: Be part of Ogun’s sustainable transformation. Purchase authentic Adire and invest in the creative economy that empowers women and youth.

 

Stay updated on Nigeria’s travel pulse — check out the latest tourism news and feature stories on Rex Clarke Adventures.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) And Answers

What is Ogun State doing to promote tourism?

Ogun State is focusing on cultural and creative tourism by upgrading key sites, such as Olumo Rock, training women and youth in tourism-related skills, and promoting industries like Adire on global platforms.

What changes have been made to the Olumo Rock Tourist Complex?

The Olumo Rock Tourist Complex has undergone renovation with modern infrastructure, enhanced safety measures, and creative spaces, including the Nike Arts Gallery, to further enhance its appeal as a world-class destination.

How is Ogun State ensuring inclusivity in its tourism initiatives?

The state is empowering women and youth through training programmes in tourism-related fields, particularly in Adire manufacturing, to foster economic inclusion and opportunity.

What was the theme of the 48th World Tourism Day in Ogun State?

The theme was “Tourism for Sustainable Transformation”, emphasising inclusive, equitable, and green tourism practices.

How does Ogun State plan to globalise its cultural treasures?

By promoting cultural industries like Adire on international fashion runways and nurturing the creative economy to share Ogun’s stories globally, the state aims to attract worldwide attention.