From Damola Adeloye, Ibadan
Oyo State government has announced the second edition of the International Tourism Summit Oyo State (ITSOyoState2025), following the success of last year’s inaugural event.
The 2025 edition, to hold in July at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, is poised to be a game-changer for tourism investment in Nigeria.
This year’s summit is not just a celebration of culture, but a strategic investors gathering designed to present high-impact tourism investment destinations to local and international investors.
The goal is to unlock public-private partnerships, secure long-term investments and reposition Oyo State as Nigeria’s model for tourism-led economic transformation.
With participation from foreign embassies, international and domestic tourism operators, financial institutions, development partners and the private sector, ITSOyoState2025 will feature an exclusive investment roundtable where viable government-backed tourism projects will be pitched directly to investors; site visits to three heritage-rich destinations, including royal palaces and ecotourism hubs, providing firsthand exposure to investment-ready opportunities, among others.
Speaking on the significance of the summit, the organisers noted that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration had deliberately positioned tourism as a pillar to diversify the state’s economy.
A seven-member planning committee has been inaugurated, chaired by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun.
Other members include the Commissioner for Finance, Akinola Ojo; Executive Adviser on Agribusiness, International Cooperation and Development, Dr Debo Akande; Director-General of Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development, OYMASED, Dr Morohunkola Thomas; Director-General, Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency, OYSIPA, Mr Tilewa Folami, Special Adviser to the governor on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju; Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Special Duties, Ms Lolade Ajibola, and Chief Experience Officer, Slvr Wlf Digitale Ltd, Ms Abigail Anaba.