Culture

We will give priority to culture and tourism sector – Makinde

By Web News 168

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, says his administration will give priority to the culture and tourism sector to boost the economy.

He reaffirmed this during the 2025 World Egungun Festival, held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Adebayo Lawal, while underscoring the importance of the sector, said its economic and social benefits were enormous, apart from its impact on cultural heritage sustainability.

According to him, the culture and tourism sector in developed countries are enough to generate revenue for the economic growth of such countries.

He said the Oyo State government would continue to harness available opportunities for it to grow its economy.

The governor who noted that the present administration in the state was committed to promotion of religion tolerance said government recognised the three major religions, Christianity, Islam and Traditional religions, being practiced in the state.

He stated that declaration of every August 20, as ‘Isese Day’ was a testament of government commitment towards religion tolerance.

In his remark, the chairman of the 2025 World Egungun Festival, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who spoke through the Maye of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Alabi, said the festival holds cultural and ancestral significance.

He offered special prayers for the continuous development, progress and prosperity of Ibadanland and Oyo State.

In a remark, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the first edition of the World Egungun Festival was held in 2024, noting that there was an improvement in this year celebration.

He said his vision was to see the Egungun Festival listed by UNESCO.

The event witnessed traditional displays of masquerades from Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti States and the Republic of Benin.

The event had in attendance traditional rulers, religious leaders, the Head of Missions, the Diplomatic Corps, and ambassadors, among others.

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Environment

Junction Improvements Not Just Installation of Traffic Lights – Oyo Govt

By Web News 1019

The Oyo State Government has provided further insight regarding the recently awarded Phase 2 junction improvements in the state capital. 

A statement by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, on Friday indicated that the project affects three junctions: Agodi Gate, Idi Ape Civic Centre, and University of Ibadan Junctions. 

He hinted that Phase 1 of the project covered Challenge and Felele Junctions in Ibadan. 

Olatubosun said the junction improvements contract awarded to Messrs Planet Projects Ltd. would be completed in nine months. 

Olatubosun, while making clarifications, said the improvement works to be carried out with the sum of N10.3 billion are not just for traffic lights. 

He said the clarification was necessary to carry along the good people of Oyo State, as is the practice of the present administration. 

“You know that Governor Seyi Makinde is all about honesty and transparency in all activities,” he said.   

While pointing to similar projects that have been carried out at Challenge and Felele Junctions, he said the improvement works at Agodi Gate, Idi Ape Civic Centre, and University of Ibadan Junctions would include demolition; alignment and reconfiguration of road geometry; road architecture, kerbs, lane demarcation; traffic signals; traffic signs; wire mesh to cordon-off areas; road/lane markings; pedestrian walkway; drainage; and landscaping/horticulture. 

He added that the project, which would feature nine Junctions and 69 lane interactions, would include bus shelters and lay-bys for taxis and motorcycles. 

“The economic impact of road construction and improvements are significant as they have a multiplier effect of creating wealth that can easily be applied to other projects”, he said.

Oluwakayode Banjo

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Culture

Osun Inaugurates Cultural & Tourism Clubs in Schools

By Web News 877

Osun state government has inaugurated cultural and tourism clubs in public and private schools.

Speaking at the event held at Government Technical College, Osogbo, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola said the essence of reviving culture in schools was to engage youths in profitable activities.

Represented by the Secretary to the State government, Prince Wole  Oyebamiji, the Governor said students would be allowed to visit cultural sites across the State.

Earlier, the coordinating director, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs Solabomi Akinsola who said the ministry was collaborating with Ministry of Education to inculcate culture into education curriculum explained that the focus was to instill the rich Yoruba culture in youths.

Mrs Akinsola called on heads of schools and parents to encourage children to participate in things that promote Yoruba culture.

In an interview, former Commissioner for tourism and culture in the state, Mr Babawale Adebisi noted that Yoruba culture was dying among youths and commended Governor Oyetola for supporting programmes that would ensure its revival.

Radio Nigeria reports that the children displayed their knowledge and skills in some Yoruba cultural practices including Ekun iyawo, irundidi and cultural dance.

Abiodun Adeoye

Culture

Oyo Govt., Iseyin Weavers Collaborate to Revive Aso-Ofi Festival

By Web News 1073

The Oyo State Government and Iseyin Weavers have collaborated to revive and further promote the Aso-Ofi festival in the state. 

This was disclosed in Iseyin during the grand-finale of the Aso-Ofi festival, witnessed by dignitaries in and outside Oyo State. 

Speaking at the event, the wife of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Tamunomini Olufunke Makinde said the festival would promote the cultural values and heritage of the state. 

She appealed to Iseyin weavers not to compromise the originality of the wool used in weaving Aso-Ofi, adding that it can never be duplicated. 

She also hinted that Aso-Ofi has grown to be one of Nigeria’s internationally-recognised fabrics, known for its rich cultural values. 

“I appeal to our weavers, put a mark on our heritage, it cannot be made elsewhere. If it is not made here, it is counterfeit”, she said. 

She added, “Ensure you protect our heritage, promote what we have and keep our culture for our generations unborn. Don’t sell out your trade’s secret. Do your best to protect our heritage”. 

The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the present administration in Oyo State is committed to showcasing and harnessing the tourism and economic potentials embedded in the festival. 

He said that the Aso-Ofi festival, which was last celebrated in 2018, is set for revival and unhindered annual celebrations. 

Dr Olatunbosun said, with the Aso-Ofi fabrics and resolution by the State Government to promote it, there will be a revolution in the tourism sector of the state. 

He hinted that Oyo State Government is resolute to champion the exportation of Aso-Ofi fabrics in the state, adding that the cultural, tourism and creative industry have been identified as one of the major sectors to diversify the economy. 

The State Government’s Spokesman added that Oyo State Government is formulating policies that will aid the promotion of this sector, while actions are being taken to unlock the huge potentials of the sector. 

He said the state government has found it expedient to increase awareness about the annual festival due to its potentials. 

“We are confident that the Aso-Ofi festival is back to and the State Government in collaboration with major stakeholders will be working to revive the festival and promote Aso-Ofi beyond the shores of Nigeria.” 

“We are working hard to ensure that all potentials are harnessed. We are set to work with sponsors, exporters and promoters in order to make it as international as possible to attract, cultural enthusiasts and huge buyers,” he said. 

The highlight of the programme was the presentation of the “The Ambassador of Aso-Ofi of the year” award to Governor Seyi Makinde and some notable Iseyin indigenes. 

The two-day event featured a rally, competitions, fashion parades, presentations of awards and draws national and international attention.

E-signed: 

Wasiu Olatunbosun, Ph.D,

Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

Health

Covid-19: Oyo Commissioner Seeks People’s Attitudinal Change

By Web News 855

Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun has called on the people of the state to see attitude change as the only solution to the war against Covid-19.

Dr Olatubosun said this through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Bunmi Babalola at a One-Day training for reporters on Covid-19 reportage in Ibadan.

The commissioner said all efforts to sensitize the general public by the state government had been explored, while testing has been taken to the local level to ascertain the level of spread of the disease in the state.

He hinted that the global and local economy as well as human survival would only be achieved if people keep to what he called the new normal through social distancing, use of nose covers and regular hand washing.

He said it was important for media professionals to adjust from the way and manner they carry out their responsibilities in line with the current situation and follow necessary protocols that will protect us in our day to day activities.

Dr Olatubosun appealed to the people of the state to keep faith with the present administration on efforts at stopping the spread of the disease and work towards restoring normalcy to the economic, social and daily activities of the people.

Iyabo Adebisi

Lifestyle

Failure to wear facemask to attract 20,000 Naira Fine – Oyo Covid-19 Task Force

By Web News 1473 Post a comment

Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force has said failure to wear facemasks in the state will soon begin to attract penalty.

Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun stated this while leading members of the Media and sensitisation committee of the task force to Oke Ogun zone in continuation of enlightenment drive on COVID-19.

Dr Olatunbosun said defaulters of the guideline on wearing of facemasks would be prosecuted and appropriately punished with a fine of 20,000 naira.

The commissioner maintained that wearing of face masks was in line with COVID-19 protocol designed to guarantee the safety and well-being of everyone.

He urged residents of Igbeti and Kisi in Olorunsogo and Irepo Local Government Areas of the state to maintain physical distance and adhere to restrictions on religious worship to contain the spread of the virus.

He equally enjoined security agencies to join hands with traditional rulers with a view to combating the virus.

In his response, Iba of Kishi, ObaMoshood Oyekola Lawal pledged to synergise with government and security agencies at ensuring that people abide with precautionary resources on Covid-19.

Similar sensitization efforts had been taken to Oyo and Ogbomoso zones in the past weeks.

Iyabo Adebisi

News Analysis

Harnessing Nigeria’s Tourism Potentials

By Web News 1239

Tourism over the years has proven to be a strong and resilient economic activity and a fundamental contributor to economic growth of any nation.

As it generates billions of dollars in exports and creating millions of jobs.

Acknowledging these facts, many developing and developed countries today rely on tourism as an option for sustainable development of their nations.

Though Nigeria is richly blessed and endowed with both physical and cultural tourism potentials it has been relatively insignificant on the world tourism map.

This is because the nation’s economy has been mainly petroleum-driven, with the result that tourism does not play any significant role in the economy.

Much prominence has been given to oil production as the major source of revenue, particularly, foreign exchange at the expense of other industries including tourism.

Factors that affect the nation’s tourism sector include poor implementation of tourism plans, absence of defined measures to encourage participation in tourism, policy formulation and implementation, and poor infrastructural development.

It was also discovered that successive administrations have not shown commitment to tourism development beyond mere rhetoric.

Unless tourism is seen as strategically important to the economy of Nigeria and the necessary plans, policies, actions and resources to support this initiative are put in place, tourism will continue to be a missed opportunity.

For instance, in Ondo state, much concentration is still on cultural tourism which is promoting the culture through festivals and celebrities.

The state is also endowed with natural resources which if developed, will help to generate employment for the people and boost the local economy.

The time has come for the country to harness the potential in the tourism sector to protect its culture and heritage.

To do this, government at all levels should commit a lot of resources to the development of tourism sector.

Also, federal government needs to create a conducive environment so that visitors could be attracted to the nation’s tourist sites.

The provision of efficient transportation, stable power supply, water and telecommunications will make Nigeria a tourism destination for foreign nationals.

Above all, there should be attitudinal change by states and local government to improve their Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, through tourism development thereby reducing dependence on federal allocation.

Abisola Oluremi

Health

Drug Abuse: Oyo Pledges Support to NDLEA

By Web News 809

In an effort to reduce drug abuse and trafficking, Oyo State government has pledged to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, to curb the menace of illicit drug use and peddling.

The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun gave the pledge when a delegation from NDLEA paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

Dr. Olatunbosun noted that the agency had done well at enlightening citizens on dangers inherent in indiscriminate use of drugs which often led to high rate of mental disorder and broken homes.

The commissioner added that the state government would give necessary backings to anti-drug abuse campaigns of the federal agency through the use of the available media platforms in the state.

The leader of the team, Mrs. Josephine Obi solicited the support of the ministry in the area of publicity of its activities and programmes to reduce the scourge and menace of drug trafficking and abuse.

Mrs. Obi commended the state government for its resolve to reduce poverty and youths’ unrest by paying special attention to agriculture and other welfare programmes, especially in education, which has kept many youths out of the streets and reduce illicit drug peddlers.

Adewumi Faniran

Security

Oyo Approves 179 Million Naira to Procure Communication Gadgets for Security Personnel

By Web News 723

Oyo state government has approved about One Hundred and Seven Nine million naira for the procurement of radio communication gadget for security personnel in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun stated this while briefing journalists after the weekly Executive Council Meeting.

The commissioner explained that the sophisticated digital communication gadget would improve collaboration among security operatives and enhance security of lives and properties in the state.

Dr. Olatunbosun also noted that the one hundred security cars procured by the government had been branded and would commence work next week 

He however said that many of inmates rescued from the Oloore Rehabilitation Centre had be treated and reconnected to their families while others had been transferred to approved government rehabilitation center.

Iyabo Adebisi

Education

Oyo Govt. Approves Fund for Infrastructure Development

By Web News 740

Oyo State Government has approved to release its counterpart fund for infrastructure development across public primary and secondary schools in the state to complement its educational policies.

The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun disclosed while briefing newsmen after the state council meeting.

Dr. Olatunbosun noted that Federal Government through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) would provide 1.5 billion naira while Oyo state would provide a counterpart fund of 1.5 billion naira for the project 

He however disclosed that the state government had approved redeployment of thirty nine staffers of Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo state (BCOS), who were part of 143 staff initially, moved from the corporation by the immediate past administration as well as 73 staffers from the Board of Internally Generated Revenue out of 462 initially deployed from the board.

Meanwhile, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa who was part of the briefing made clarification on the charges on transfer to public schools by the state government.

Mr Adisa explained that the state government only charged for transfer of pupils from private to public schools within the state and not from public school to another in the state while reiterating the commitment of the state government to its free education policy.

In a related development, residents of Agbonle and Ogbooro in Ifeloju Local Council Development Area, Oyo State have appealed to the three tiers of government to come to their aid for infrastructure development.

The Alagbonle of Agbonle land, Oba Job Idowu Adetunji, and community leaders in Agbonle Prophet Michael Okesola, Alfa Adebayo Abdu-Rauf and Agbooro community chairman, Chief Ojeponle Ajayi and Jimoh Daud Ayanfe all made the plea recently in respected community during a community development program in the town.

Alagbonle of Agbonle, Oba Idowu Adetunji and the community leaders, Chief Ojeponle Ajayi, Mr Ayanfe Daud, Prophet Michael Okesola, Alfa Adebayo Abdu-Rauf call on present government to come and rehabilitate the roads linking the two communities in order to improve the social well-being of the area.

They called on government to repair roads from Ogbooro-Agbonle, Ogbooro-Ago Amodu, Agbonle-Igboho, Agbonle-Saki, that it would as well enhance internally generated revenue, IGR for government

Iyabo Adebisi/Bashir Suleiman

Security

Security: Oyo State to Get 100 Patrol Vehicles

By Web News 768

Oyo State Executive Council has approved the procurement of 100 units patrol vehicles worth Eight Hundred Thirty-Two million Naira ₦832m to beef up security in the state.

The council equally ratified the purchase of exercise books to be distributed freely across public schools in the state for the new session.  

Briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun said six big notes exercise books of 60 leaves would be given to each pupil and 80 leaves of big notes to those at the junior level.

Dr Olatunbosun noted that distribution of exercise books would gulp over Four Hundred and Forty Seven Million naira to complement the free education policy of the present administration.

 Commissioner for Works and Transport, Professor Raphael Afonja said the one hundred units patrol vehicles would be executive automatic transmission patrol ones.

Professor Afonja explained that the step was taken as part of campaign promises to improve the security of the state.

Earlier, declaring the meeting open, Governor Seyi Makinde had enjoined members of the state council to be passionate on issues affecting the state and work towards tackling them.

 Governor Makinde said he was optimistic that the council would come up with policies that would accelerate development of the state 

Iyabo Adebisi