Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has restated his administration’s dedication to harnessing tourism as a vital tool for driving economic growth in the state.
Speaking on Wednesday at the public presentation of the book “Know Oyo State” authored by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Governor Makinde emphasized that tourism, along with solid minerals development, has been added to the state’s economic agenda in his second term to complement earlier gains made through agribusiness and infrastructure.
The book launch, which took place at the Emeritus Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, served as a platform to highlight Oyo State’s rich culture, history, and heritage. The governor noted that the publication would play a key role in informing and attracting tourists to the state.
“This book is a guide for anyone seeking to understand Oyo State—its culture, traditions, and potential. Tourists will not visit a place they know nothing about. This book, along with our cultural showcases, should be prominently available at places like the Ladoke Akintola International Airport to promote our heritage,” Makinde said.
He praised Prince Oyelade for his long-standing dedication to the development of Oyo State, both as the former Chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) and now as Information Commissioner. The governor also announced a personal donation of N10 million for 10 copies of the book, directing that copies be distributed across all 33 local government areas of the state.
Congratulating the author, Makinde said: “Prince Oyelade has remained a loyal and resourceful member of our team since Omituntun 1.0. This book is not about self-praise, but about statistics, history, and facts. I commend him for creating such a valuable educational and cultural resource.”
In his remarks, Oyelade revealed that the idea for the book was conceived as far back as 2012, with the aim of showcasing the uniqueness of Oyo State through its landmarks, historical sites, and cultural richness.
Prominent dignitaries also lent their voices in support of the book. Former Minister of Education, Professor Emeritus Tunde Adeniran, and Chairman of Solutions FM, Prince Adegboyega Taofeek, both described “Know Oyo State” as a monumental reference and an encyclopedia of the state’s legacy.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, hailed the book as a scholarly work that preserves and promotes the cultural identity of the state.
The event was graced by notable figures including the Deputy Governor, Barrister Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; former Military Governor of Old Oyo State, General Oladayo Popoola (retd); PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; former Ambassador to the Philippines, Chief Yemi Farounmbi; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi; and Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, among others.
