Ogun State Government says he remains committed to making tourism a key driver of inclusive growth and economic diversification being part of efforts to reposition the State as Nigeria’s leading destination for cultural and creative tourism.

Governor Abiodun made the call at a symposium to commemorate the 2025 world tourism Day held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta with the theme: "Tourism and Sustainable development."

The governor who was represented by his deputy, Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele said the tourism sector had the potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and stimulate local economies , noting  that his administration had taken bold steps to reposition Ogun State as a leading destination for cultural and creative tourism especially with the signing of a landmark MOU with the federal government to establish the Renewed Hope Cultural Village.

Governor Abiodun pointed out that the celebration of World Tourism Day in Ogun State highlighted the importance of tourism in driving economic growth, cultural preservation, and social connection ,highlighting  the government’s training and skill acquisition programmes for youths and women in tourism-related ventures, particularly Adire production, which, according to him, has gained international recognition on global fashion runways.

“Our creative economy is being nurtured to tell the Ogun story in ways that resonate locally and internationally,” he said.

The Chairman, Ogun State House Committee on Arts, Culture and Tourism, Mr Segun Kaka restated the commitment of the lawmakers to support efforts geared towards the preservation, protecting and promoting of the nation's tourism sector through appropriate legislation.

Delivering the United Nations Secretary-General’s message at the event, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, emphasized that tourism remains a powerful engine of opportunity, capable of creating jobs, strengthening human connections, and driving inclusive change.

“Tourism must be inclusive, equitable, and green if it is to truly fulfill its promise of sustainable transformation,” he stressed.

In his own remarks, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan FagbayiFagbayi reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to advancing tourism through cultural heritage promotion, community-based tourism initiatives, and landmark events such as the recently concluded Gateway Games.

He stated that the  transformation of the iconic Olumo Rock Tourist Centre remains one of the most remarkable achievements of the present administration, reaffirming  the determination of government to improve infrastructure, safety, and amenities at tourist sites to attract more tourist inflow into the State and boost local economies.

He, however, urged stakeholders to partner with the government in making tourism truly sustainable, in line with the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day.

“All hands must be on deck to create jobs and improve the living standards of our people through tourism,” Fagbayi said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Prince Adebola Basibo-Odoru, emphasized the State’s commitment to aligning its tourism agenda with sustainability principles.

These, according to him, include promoting eco-friendly practices, supporting community-driven initiatives, and investing in cultural preservation and innovation ,  assuring that the government would continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that tourism remains a catalyst for inclusive and enduring growth across Ogun State.

In a lecture entitled "sustainable Tourism for a better Future" the Unifers programme coordinator, Obafemi Awolowo University, Sango Ota Study Centre, Dr Harrison Edo stressed the need for the relevant stakeholders to support efforts of government to develop the tourism sector.

Dr Harrison expressed optimism that with the right investments and partnerships, Nigeria's tourist centers could be transformed into world-class destinations, attracting visitors from around the world and promoting economic development.