Tourism: Oyo targets global attention, partners NANTA to host 500 agents

By Our Correspondent

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning the state as a premier tourism destination, sealing a strategic partnership with the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) to host its 50th Anniversary and Annual General Meeting.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, disclosed this while receiving the executive delegation of NANTA (Western Zone) in Ibadan. He revealed that the state’s tourism calendar has witnessed a significant expansion, growing from 80 programmes in 2024 to 130 in 2025.

Olatubosun noted that the expanded activities are largely driven by public-private partnerships, citing the success of events like “December Vibing” as proof of the state’s conducive environment for investors.

“Our programmes have increased from 80 to 130 this year. Most of these are not fully funded by the government but are supported by corporate bodies that have found success in Oyo State,” Olatubosun stated.

He assured the association of the ministry’s full backing for the upcoming AGM, promising media coverage through the Akede Asa Media Crew to ensure global visibility.

Speaking on the partnership, the Vice Chairman of NANTA Western Zone, Otunba Babatunde Adesokan, announced that Oyo State had won the hosting rights for the association’s landmark 50th-anniversary celebration.

Adesokan disclosed that the event, scheduled for April 15 to 18, 2026, would attract no fewer than 500 travel and tourism experts to the state. He described Olatubosun as the “most supportive and passionate advocate of tourism” the association has worked with in recent times.

Corroborating this, the Deputy Chairman of the zone, Dr. Olatokunbo Dagunduro, lauded the commissioner for setting a unique pace in tourism development.

“In nearly 20 years, no administration has achieved what Dr. Olatubosun has accomplished within a short time. He has deployed innovative programmes to promote the state’s rich cultural assets without imitating others,” Dagunduro said.

The high point of the visit was the presentation of an award of excellence to the Commissioner, which he dedicated to Governor Seyi Makinde and the ministry’s management team.