Culture

Oyo State Government Backs Tourism Investment Drive

Published

11 months ago

October 31, 2025

Oyo State Government pledges support for investors aligning with Governor Makinde’s vision to grow tourism and boost local economic development

Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partner with private investors who share Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision of driving economic growth through tourism and innovation.

Also read: Alaafin of Oyo Plans Return of Artefacts Looted by Britain

According to Punchng, the state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, made this known on Tuesday during a visit to the Royal Entertainment Cruise Resort in Eleyele, Ibadan.

The facility, he said, showcases the potential of leisure and tourism to transform local economies.

Oyelade described the resort as a model investment featuring a paintball arena, children’s play zone, snooker hall, and a boat cruise dock with multiple speedboats, all designed to provide a complete leisure experience for visitors.

“We are delighted to see this kind of forward-thinking investment in Oyo State,” Oyelade said. “Governor Makinde’s administration believes tourism can create jobs, boost local economies, and position Oyo as a leading destination for culture and leisure in Nigeria.”

He added that the project exemplifies how private-sector participation can enhance the state’s tourism profile, noting that such water-based attractions are rare in the South-West outside Lagos.

The commissioner assured that the government will work closely with the facility to promote it across media platforms and attract both domestic and international tourists.

In his remarks, the resort’s Chief Executive Officer, Sanmi Bamidele, thanked the government for its support and expressed pride in contributing to the state’s tourism renaissance.

“The government cannot do it alone,” Bamidele said. “What we’re doing supports Governor Makinde’s vision to increase revenue through tourism.

People now travel from across Nigeria and even from Europe to experience what we’ve built. Ibadan is fast transforming from the city of brown roofs into a marine destination, and we’re proud to be part of that change.”

Bamidele noted that the resort has created jobs for residents in Eleyele and nearby communities, while also enhancing the area’s aesthetics. He further appreciated the governor’s promise to rehabilitate the access road leading to the site.

The commissioner, accompanied by Permanent Secretary Rotimi Babalola and senior ministry officials, concluded the visit with a tour of the facility, engaging in paintball and boat cruise activities.

Also read: Oyo Cultural Promotion Thrives with Festivals Revival

The Oyo State Government reiterated that it would continue to support investors whose projects align with its economic and tourism development goals, reinforcing its determination to make the state a hub for sustainable growth and cultural innovation.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 month ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”