Culture and Tourism: The Hidden Engine of Oyo’s Industrial Revolution

When most people think of industrialisation, they envision sprawling factories, skyscrapers, and high-tech infrastructure. What many fail to see is that culture and tourism can be the unsung heroes of industrial progress. Yes, you heard that right. As Oyo State pushes forward on its journey to become an industrial hub, leveraging its rich cultural heritage and tourism potential could be the secret sauce that propels us ahead of the competition. Just look at Singapore and Rwanda, two countries that have seamlessly integrated culture and tourism into their economic growth models.

Oyo’s Cultural Richness: A Foundation for Economic Development

Oyo State is blessed with an immense cultural heritage that spans centuries. From the ancient city of Ibadan, which houses one of Africa’s most important historical sites, to the royal palaces of Oyo town, where the Alaafin reigns, the state is steeped in tradition. But there’s more – the cultural significance of Oyo is not just about the past; it’s also about the present and future.

Let’s take a page out of Singapore’s playbook. Singapore may be known for its cutting-edge industrialisation and ultra-modern infrastructure, but it also has a deep cultural heritage that is woven into the fabric of the city-state. The combination of a robust industrial base and a thriving tourism industry has made Singapore a global icon. Tourism in Singapore isn’t just about leisure – it’s an integral part of its economy. It brings in millions of dollars and employs thousands, all while reinforcing national pride and cultural identity.

Likewise, Oyo State can utilise its cultural wealth to drive industrialisation. The Alaroye Festival, the Oke-Ogun Annual Arts Festival, the twins festival in Ibarapa, and even traditional crafts like Aso-Oke (the Iseyin traditional fabric), black soap making, and pottery, all hold the potential to attract global attention. These cultural assets, when combined with industrial development, can boost the state’s GDP, create jobs, and position Oyo as an attractive destination for both business and leisure.

Tourism: A Gateway to Oyo’s Industrial Future

Tourism is one of the most powerful economic engines in the world today. In 2019, the global tourism industry generated nearly $9 trillion, contributing to 10.4% of global GDP. Oyo State, with its rich culture and diverse heritage, is in a prime position to harness tourism as an engine for industrial growth.

But here’s the twist: we can’t just sell Oyo as a “tourist destination.” That’s the old way of thinking. What Oyo needs is a tourism-industrialisation strategy – one that integrates cultural tourism with industrial development. For instance, instead of just promoting Ibadan’s famous University of Ibadan or the Ikere Gorge Dam as tourist destinations, we can build on these sites by establishing tech parks, innovation hubs, and green energy zones nearby. Tourists can come for the culture, but they will stay for the industries.

The Role of Heritage Sites: A Foundation for Industrial Zones

Imagine this: The Ikere Gorge Dam is not just a beautiful site but also an area where green energy plants power the surrounding industries. The famous University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s first university, could evolve into an innovation centre that partners with international corporations to push research and development in agriculture, technology, and healthcare. In fact, why not turn the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo into a cultural and business hub? This could be the epicentre of a thriving tourism and hospitality sector that attracts international tourists and investors alike, thereby supporting the state’s industrial drive.

By blending heritage with innovation, Oyo could create a tourism-boosted industrial hub where industries benefit from increased consumer spending by tourists, and tourism flourishes thanks to the rising economic prosperity brought about by industrialisation.

Leveraging Local Craft: From Tradition to Global Market

The Aso-Oke making tradition in Oyo, the black soap industry, and pottery production are not just cultural practices – they are potential global markets waiting to be unlocked. Countries like Morocco and India have turned traditional crafts into booming global industries, and Oyo can do the same. Take black soap, for example. The pioneering work of Mr. Edmund Obilo in documenting this “Ose Dudu” gift of Ipapo to the world could spur the demand for organic skincare products, which is soaring worldwide, and Ipapo black soap, known for its quality, could easily become a leading product on the international market.

But how do we transition these products from artisanal to industrial? The answer lies in modernising production methods, packaging, branding, and marketing. Oyo should create a Center for Artisan Development, where local artisans can learn to scale their production, meet global standards, and tap into international distribution networks.

Similarly, Aso-Oke, the traditional fabric worn by the people of Oyo, can be modernised and marketed to the global fashion industry. With the right infrastructure and collaboration with international designers, Oyo’s traditional textile industry could rival those of other global fashion hubs.

Creating the Oyo Experience: A Fusion of Culture and Industrial Innovation

Singapore’s success isn’t only about making itself an industrial hub. It has also mastered the art of creating an experience. The Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Chinatown attract millions of visitors who come for the culture but also spend money on shopping, dining, and entertainment. Oyo can adopt a similar approach. Picture this: You come to Oyo for the annual Twins Festival in Ibarapa, then enjoy a stay in Ibadan’s top-tier hotels like Mahogany in Jericho Ibadan, or Kunle Afolayan Film Village (KAF Village) in Igbojaye in Itesiwaju Local Government, the Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort or the Beulah House Lodge powered by alternative energy sources, which serve as like pilot power hubs, and end your trip by investing in a tech startup at an innovation park in Oke-Ogun. This is the Oyo State of tomorrow – where tourism, culture, and industrialisation come together to create a vibrant and sustainable economy. This must also be viewed alongside the potentials of places like the Iyake Lake, Eleyele water front or Bowers Towers.

Leveraging Infrastructure for Cultural and Industrial Synergy

To realise this vision, Oyo must focus on creating modern infrastructure that supports both tourism and industrialisation. Roads, airports, hotels, public transport, and internet connectivity must all be enhanced to accommodate the influx of tourists and industries. Investment in smart cities with integrated digital platforms will ensure that tourists and entrepreneurs alike have access to real-time information, convenient services, and cutting-edge facilities.

The Ibadan International Airport which is being expanded to cater for more international flights, making it easier for tourists and businesspeople to come to Oyo is a great step in this direction. In addition, green tourism zones can be established to attract eco-conscious tourists and investors in renewable energy, tapping into the growing trend of sustainable tourism.

The Future of Oyo: Where Culture Meets Industry

As Oyo embarks on this journey of industrialisation, we must remember that culture and tourism are not just nice-to-haves. They are integral to the state’s future. The cultural and tourism sectors provide an opportunity for Oyo to differentiate itself from other states, create jobs, and bring in foreign exchange. Moreover, by combining culture with industry, Oyo can create a self-sustaining ecosystem where tourism fuels industrial growth, and industrial growth enhances tourism.

The Oyo of tomorrow is one where visitors come to experience culture, but leave with investments, partnerships, and a desire to be part of something bigger. It’s a state where industries thrive, but they do so with respect for tradition, heritage, and the environment.

Call to Action: What Can Oyo’s Citizens Do Today?

Over the past six years, His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde has revitalized the state’s cultural scene through iconic festivals like the World Egungun, Sango, and Yemoja festivals. His leadership has positioned these events as global celebrations of Yoruba heritage, attracting international attention and fostering cultural pride.

Through strategic partnerships and visionary programming led by my dear elder brother Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, Oyo State’s Commissioner for Culture, Oyo State has expanded traditional celebrations such as Isese Day celebrated interestingly each year on August 20, which happens to be my birthday and is accordingly doubly special. Notably, the UNESCO in December 2023 inscribed the Sango Oyo Festival on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition underscores the festival’s significance in Yoruba culture and its role in fostering cultural diversity and understanding. How about the traditional and cultural preparations for the several coronations and cultural events over the last few years from Oyo to Ogbomoso to Iseyin to Ibarapa.

These initiatives not only preserve Yoruba traditions but also promote tourism, generate revenue, and engage the youth, affirming Oyo State’s place as a cultural beacon in Nigeria and beyond.

As we move towards this vision of an industrialised Oyo, here’s what you can do today to make it happen:

– Promote your culture: Share the rich history of Oyo with the world. Host cultural events, share stories, and engage with the global community.
– Support local artisans: Buy locally-made products and support small businesses. Encourage innovation while respecting tradition.
– Advocate for infrastructure improvements: Demand better roads, airports, and connectivity to support both tourism and industrial growth.
– Invest in tourism and culture: Start tourism-related businesses, such as hotels, tour guides, and entertainment services, to cater to incoming visitors.

The time is now to turn Oyo into an industrial, cultural, and tourism powerhouse. The road ahead is long, but together, we can make it happen.

Stay tuned for more in this series as we continue to explore how Oyo State can unlock its potential for a sustainable industrial future.

Amofin Beulah Adeoye

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has carried out a cabinet reshuffle.
The governor, in a letter signed by his Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, made this disclosure on Monday.

According to the letter, the reshuffle will see the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Barr. Seun Ashamu, move to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, while the current Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, will move to the Ministry of Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport.

The Commissioner for Public Works, Prof Dahud Shangodoyin, has been moved to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Solihu Adelabu, has been moved to the Ministry of Establishments and Training, while the current Commissioner for Establishments, Hon Segun Olayiwola, will now man the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

The letter indicated that the movements are with immediate effect, as the governor charged the commissioners to continue to discharge their duties with utmost loyalty and commitment to the state.

There is growing tension in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State as the Executive Chairman, Engr. Akeem Olatunji has been accused of mobilizing suspected Park Management System (PMS) operatives to assault party faithful as some of the councilors can not sleep at their respective houses again over threat to lives.

According to a source who spoke to OYOMIND anonymously, Engr. Akeem Olatunji has been selling lands illegally at the Ibadan Toll Gate, Idi-Ayunre, and the entire Oluyole. This was said to have been the reason he used the PMS operatives to assault and threaten some councilors under him who spoke to him over the Illegal sales of lands in the axis of the state.

It was stated that the situation escalated when the chairman allegedly invited PMS operatives to the area to intimidate and beat up members who opposed his action. A serving councillor, who resisted the move, was reportedly assaulted by the Chief of Staff to the chairman and narrowly escaped being macheted by the PMS boys. “He was lucky to have been whisked away by unknown persons”, the source said.

It was further gathered that the councillor is now facing a six-month suspension plan being allegedly spearheaded by the chairman and backed by four other councillors whom he had settled with land in compensation, including the fact that the councillor cannot sleep in a place as the PMS boys are tracking him everywhere on the instruction of the Oluyole Local Government Chairman.

Observers have described the move as politically motivated and an attempt to silence the councillor for speaking out against alleged misconduct in the council.

According to the embattled councillor, the chairman has been engaging in illegal land sales under the guise of council business. Under Akeem Olatunji’s chairmanship, councillors have only been paid their salaries without receiving any other allowances or incentives since their assumption into office.

“We have endured a lot in silence. Apart from our salaries, we’ve received nothing. Yet, we see lands being sold indiscriminately and the proceeds unaccounted for,” he said.

The crisis has reportedly thrown the Oluyole into political disarray, with stakeholders calling for urgent intervention from the Oyo State Government and party leadership. They warned that the issue if not promptly addressed, could further polarise the party in the local government ahead of future elections.

Efforts to reach Engr. Olatunji and his Chief of Staff for comments proved abortive at the time of filing this report.

Party elders and community leaders are now appealing to Governor Seyi Makinde and the Oyo State PDP hierarchy to wade into the matter and ensure justice is served to prevent a total breakdown of law and order in the area.

The All Progressives Congress APC, aspirant for Egbeda/Ona-Ara House of Representatives, Hon. Akinola Kazeem on Saturday 3rd May, attended the party’s meeting at Elekuro High School, Olorunsogo.

The well attended meeting had in attendance party executives in Egbeda/Ona-Ara LGAs, party stakeholders and members of the party from Ward 1 to 11 in Ona-Ara LGA.

Hon. Akinola Kazeem had earlier met with party leaders in two LGAs; Egbeda and Ona-Ara.

The chairman, APC Ona-Ara LGA, Alhaji Prince Abdulwasiu Kolawole Ogundipe appreciated God for keeping all party members safe and secure. He described APC as a progressive party that prioritizes peace. He eulogised the party leadership in the state under Alhaji Olaide Abas.

Prince Ogundipe welcomes Hon. Akinola Kazeem to the meeting on behalf of LG executives. He appealed to all party members to spread love and unity among members.

He reiterated that the party at the state level has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.

Also speaking at the meeting, another stakeholder and former Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government, Hon. Biliaminu Ogundele, called for calm, he stressed that no internal faction can singlehandedly win the election without the support of others. He acknowledged the presence of Hon. Yinka Folarin, Hon. Shina Adeagbo and Hon. Bola Fawole.

Party leader from Egbeda LGA, Alhaji Agbedo appealed to electorate in Egbeda/Ona-Ara federal constituency to vote massively for Hon. Akinola Kazeem when it is time. He reiterated that Hon. Akinjide is a lover of education, welfare of people and overall development of the society.

Hon. Akinola Kazeem while speaking with journalists said; “I am excited to be with you today, you know where we are coming from, where we are and where we are going. On this project, I am happy with the turnout of the meeting. You know me as a party man over the years. It is important to introduce myself formally, I am an aspirant for Egbeda /Ona-Ara House of Representatives ticket ahead of 2027 general elections.

“You rally round me over the years, I appreciate it and I don’t take it for granted. It’s time for Ona-Ara LGA to produce the House of Representatives, Egbeda LGA has done it for 8 years uninterruptedly.”

Hon. Akinola Kazeem was elated when Prince Ogundipe welcomed the People’s Democratic Party, PDP defectors across 11 wards in Ona-Ara LGA.

Hon. Akinola Kazeem announced cash donation to 11 wards in Ona-Ara LGA.

Amofin Beulah Adeoye, president of the Beulah Adeoye Foundation has joined Ibadan traditional council, sons and daughters of Ibadan to celebrate Alhaji Nureni Adebayo Akanbi, Iba Oluyole as he clocked another year on earth.

Amofin Adeoye described Alhaji Nureni Akanbi who is also Lagunna-Balogun of Ibadan Land as a political father and mentor whose influence has shaped not only the course of my life but also the lives of countless others.

The legal icon said that Iba Oluyole’s wisdom, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice have left an indelible mark in Ibadan and the global map.

“Lagunna-Balogun of Ibadan Land stood out as a beacon of selflessness and service in a world often driven by personal ambition. Iba Oluyole’s political thought is not merely about power, but about purpose—about lifting others, speaking for the voiceless, and standing firm when it matters most.

“Alhaji Akanbi, as a mentor has been more than a guide—he has been a source of courage, a reservoir of knowledge, and a constant reminder that leadership begins with humility”.

Amofin Beulah Adeoye remarked that today’s celebrant, Iba Oluyole never hesitated to share his experiences, his failures, and his triumphs, using each lesson as a stepping stone for those who would come after him.