Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that Oyo State is positioning itself to become the tourism capital of South-West Nigeria, unveiling ambitious plans aimed at transforming the state into one of the country’s leading tourism destinations.

The governor made the statement on Wednesday during the International Tourism Summit Oyo State 2026 held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

The summit, themed “From Groundwork to Governance: Building Tourism That Endures,” brought together policymakers, investors, tourism experts, creatives, and stakeholders to discuss the future of tourism development in the state and across the region.

According to a statement issued by Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor said his administration has spent years laying the foundation for sustainable tourism growth through investments in infrastructure, security, policy reforms, and economic development initiatives.

Makinde explained that ongoing road construction projects across different parts of Oyo State are designed not only to improve transportation but also to open up tourism sites, local communities, and investment opportunities.

“Some of you here were part of the tour of the Oke Ogun Zone. I hope you can now see why Oyo is set to become the tourism capital of South-West Nigeria in the coming years,” the governor said.

Highlighting the state’s infrastructure progress, Makinde stated that travelers can now drive nearly 180 kilometres on state roads from Moniya without encountering a single pothole, describing improved connectivity as a key pillar of the administration’s tourism agenda.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the governor also addressed one of the biggest concerns investors often raise in Nigeria — policy continuity after a change in government.

According to him, the state government is deliberately building systems and institutional structures that can survive beyond political transitions.

“When investors consider opportunities within our environment, there’s always an underlying question: what happens after this administration? Will policies continue? Will agreements be honoured?” he said.

“Leadership changes, but systems endure. So, our focus has been deliberate. For this tourism sector, we’re not just initiating projects, we’re building structures that can sustain them.”

Makinde cited the long-delayed 110-kilometre Circular Road project, originally conceived in the early 2000s, as an example of how inconsistent governance can slow down development.

As part of its long-term strategy, the Oyo State Government revealed that it has established a committee to develop a 25-year tourism master plan aimed at attracting investors and preserving the state’s cultural and heritage assets.

The governor also disclosed that development frameworks are currently being prepared for major tourism locations, including Eleyele Lake, while the state has already entered into a 15-year concession agreement with SystemSpecs for the management of the historic Bower’s Tower.

Makinde assured investors that Oyo State is now operating under a more structured and predictable system for long-term business engagement.

“It means that when you engage with Oyo, you are engaging with a system where decisions are guided by frameworks, engagement is coordinated across government, and projects are anchored in long-term plans,” he stated.

Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi also praised the administration’s infrastructure drive and tourism vision, while urging the government to institutionalise tourism development beyond individual political leadership.

“For tourism to be sustained and developed, it must be institutionalised rather than personalised,” Fayemi said.

He further proposed the creation of a South-West Tourism Circuit that would connect tourism destinations across the region and encourage regional economic integration.

Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and Whatadeal Africa Managing Director, Obafela Bank-Olemoh, also commended the government’s road infrastructure improvements, describing them as essential to unlocking tourism growth.

Meanwhile, Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatubosun, said the state’s tourism framework is being designed to guarantee coordination, consistency, and sustainable long-term growth within the sector.

The summit reflects Oyo State’s broader ambition to reposition itself not just as a political and educational center, but also as a major tourism and investment destination in Nigeria.