Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun vows to transform Olumo Rock into Nigeria’s top tourism destination, focusing on cultural preservation
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans to transform Olumo Rock into the premier tourism destination in Nigeria.
Speaking during a recent inspection of the Olumo Rock Tourist Center, Abiodun emphasized that it was time for the state to shift its focus to tourism as a key policy, harnessing the vast potential of this sector to boost the local economy.
The Governor noted that the Olumo Rock Tourist Center represents the deep culture, history, and tradition of Egbaland, attracting over 20,000 visitors in 2024 alone.
He expressed his commitment to developing a comprehensive plan that would ensure the site receives the attention and upgrades it truly deserves, positioning it as a world-class destination.
Abiodun stated, “Now, the tables have finally turned to tourism, and we are going to be very deliberate about pushing the frontier in our tourist development.
Tourism with the potential it offers is not only a source of income or revenue for any state or nation. We’ve seen nations whose only source of income is tourism. We’ve seen nations that have transitioned from being dependent on oil, and now 70 percent of their revenue comes from tourism.”
The Governor stressed that Olumo Rock is the foremost tourist attraction in Ogun State and pledged to invest in its development to make it the leading destination for both local and international visitors.
He acknowledged that without intentional and sustained efforts to restore, maintain, and protect the state’s tourist sites, they would eventually deteriorate.
“These tourist sites represent our very deep culture, history, and tradition, and we must do everything to protect them and ensure that they are sustained because they remain our connection between the present and the past,” Abiodun remarked. “Long after many of us are gone, they will continue to remind our generation of where we all came from and our history.”
The Governor also expressed his appreciation for those who have continuously cared for the Olumo Rock site, acknowledging that it has the potential to receive even better attention. “I believe that this site can receive better attention, and it will get the best attention from now on,” he assured.
Abiodun outlined his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, social development, and agriculture.
He concluded by reaffirming that a detailed plan would soon be developed to ensure Olumo Rock receives the best presentation, with efforts focused on enhancing the site’s appeal to both domestic and international tourists.
With this pledge, Governor Dapo Abiodun is positioning Ogun State to capitalise on tourism’s vast potential, ensuring that Olumo Rock becomes a major contributor to the state’s economy and a cultural treasure for future generations.
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