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Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has rolled out a series of programmes and projects aimed at repositioning the state’s tourism and creative industry, with a target to increase tourist inflow to cultural sites by over 60 percent within the next year.
The governor said the initiative, which blends direct government intervention with public-private partnerships, is designed to strengthen Osun’s place as the cradle of Yoruba heritage and a global hub for cultural tourism.
According to him, the state is working with private investors to upgrade major attractions such as the Erin Ijesa Waterfall in Oriade Local Government, while simultaneously preparing several cultural sites for UNESCO recognition.
Among the sites listed for phased upgrade are the Ifá Agbaye Temple in Ile-Ife, which draws global visitors during the annual Ifa Day celebration; the Iwude Ijesa project, created to woo international investors and donors; and the Sango Timi Shrine, a heritage enclave that will feature a sacred groove, auditorium, pavilion, art and craft workshops, museum, and kitchen.
Adeleke also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the Osun-Osogbo Festival, already a UNESCO-recognised world heritage event, stressing that the state would continue to provide statutory support for the globally acclaimed festival.
In his remarks, the governor said: “Expanding tourist inflow is a cardinal programme within our agenda. As the cradle of the Yoruba nation, we have a lot to showcase to deepen the tourism industry. We want to ensure we implement the upgrades and expansion of those sites to widen global recognition and UNESCO support.”
He explained that the state’s economic diversification plan is anchored on tourism, with the government adopting partnerships with the private sector to mobilise funding and guarantee sustainability.
Governor Adeleke, however, stressed that all projects would strictly follow budgetary and procurement guidelines. He noted that contracts and updates are regularly posted on the state’s procurement website to promote accountability.
“Our administration is enforcing due process in all we do. Our website contains project updates from award to implementation. We are committed to fiscal, budgetary and procurement transparency,” he added.
Since assuming office, Adeleke has repeatedly highlighted Osun’s tourism potential as a major driver of job creation and economic growth, pledging to reposition the state as a prime destination for cultural and heritage tourism.
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