Ejiro Efenudu
Ogun State joined the rest of the world on Saturday to commemorate World Tourism Day 2025, themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, with a strong call for youth-driven innovation, cultural preservation, and collaborative development of Nigeria’s tourism products.
The event, held in Abeokuta, brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, and traditional institutions, who highlighted the importance of harnessing culture, heritage, and technology to build a sustainable tourism economy.
Delivering the keynote address, Prince Femi Fadina, President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), stressed that the future of the nation’s tourism industry lies in the hands of young people. He underscored the need for mentorship, digital skills, and structured guidance to harness youth creativity across Nigeria’s West, East, and Central regions.
“Ogun State holds a complete tourism product — from Ojude Oba to Lisabi Ganza, from Egungun in Ota to the rebranded Olumo Rock,” Fadina said. “With our youths driving technology and content, and our leaders guiding tradition, we can build a vibrant tourism economy that sustains pride, creates jobs, and transforms Nigeria.”
Representing Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to positioning tourism as a catalyst for economic growth. She noted that Ogun’s rich heritage, cultural festivals, and natural endowments form a strong base for domestic and international tourism.
Also addressing the gathering, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, delivered the message of the United Nations Secretary-General, which emphasized the global vision of tourism as a driver of sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience in the face of economic challenges.
Stakeholders at the event called on cultural custodians, local government authorities, and private players to work together in repositioning Ogun’s tourism landscape. Discussions centered on building capacity, mentoring young talents, and promoting Nigerian cultural narratives by Nigerians themselves.
World Tourism Day 2025 in Ogun State was more than a celebration; it was a strategic rallying point — a reminder that tourism is not just leisure but identity, empowerment, and a pathway to a sustainable future for the state and the nation at large.
