Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing tourism as a vital component of the state’s economic expansion strategy.
Speaking on Wednesday at the public presentation of Know Oyo State, a book authored by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the governor said his government had achieved commendable milestones in its first term through agribusiness and infrastructure. Building on this, he explained, his administration is now leveraging tourism and solid minerals, two areas where the state holds significant comparative advantage, to sustain economic growth.
The book launch, held at the Emeritus Theophilus Ogunwusi Hall, University College Hospital, Ibadan, drew a distinguished audience including traditional rulers, former public office holders, and top government officials.
Makinde praised Oyelade’s work as a comprehensive guide that showcases the state’s rich culture, history, and people, adding that it will be an essential resource for tourists and investors alike. He described the book as timely and valuable in projecting the state’s heritage and tourism potential.
“Tourists will not come without knowing something about where they are going,” Makinde said. “This book and the representations of our culture and tourist attractions should be at strategic points like the Ladoke Akintola International Airport to give foreigners an immediate sense of what Oyo State offers.”
He announced the purchase of ten copies of the book for N10 million and directed that it be distributed across the 33 local government areas of the state.
“I glanced through the book, and I saw that it is rich in terms of our history as a state and the efforts that have gone into making this state what it is today. Prince Oyelade has focused on the facts, not on self-praise. I congratulate him,” he added.
Speaking on his motivation, Oyelade said the idea for the book was first conceived in 2012, with the goal of capturing and celebrating the unique features, people, and historical sites of Oyo State. He expressed his gratitude for the support received and described the project as a labour of love for the state.
In goodwill messages, Prof Emeritus Tunde Adeniran and the Chairman of Solutions FM, Ibadan, Prince Adegboyega Taofeek, both described the book as monumental and an encyclopaedic resource on the state’s heritage. They called on residents to contribute meaningfully to Oyo’s development.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, commended the work as a scholarly resource and a cultural reference point for future generations.
Among those in attendance were Deputy Governor Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; former Military Governor of Old Oyo State, General Oladayo Popoola (rtd); PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; and Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja, wife of a former governor.
Other dignitaries included Chief Yemi Farounmbi, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi; and the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao.
