…We are deliberate, building structures, systems that would endure
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State declared that the state is poised to become the tourism capital of Nigeria, noting that his government has been deliberate and intentional in building structures and systems that would endure and outlive his administration.
Makinde made this known in Ibadan during the three-day International Tourism Summit Oyo State 2026, organised by the State Government through its Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism.
With the theme, From Groundwork To Governance: Building tourism that endures, the Governor said that his government has been deliberate in building its tourism sector from ground zero up, stressing that the focus is on building structures and systems that will outlast him.
According to him, investments and businesses are based on a long-term basis, and the only thing that drives investments and confidence of investors is structures and systems, because that is what they can trust and not personality.
Speaking on the dream of making Oyo State the tourism capital of Nigeria, he disclosed that the focus has been on building a sustainable tourism sector by creating the right structures and systems to push it.
He also stressed the importance of continuity, noting, “if your investment is supported by structure, your possibility of risk is greatly reduced.
“Our focus is not just to complete projects, but that what we have created can continue. Continuity is what we are focused on,” adding that with that, the new administration doesn’t need to begin all over again because the foundation has been laid.
“This is what we mean from Groundwork to execution,” he said, stressing, “the system we are building will sustain those opportunities.”
He noted that leadership is key to the strategic development of the state, saying, “We must get it because leadership brings change, but systems and structures endure.
“We have been deliberate, we are building structures, and it requires institutions built along shared goals and visions. We are creating and running a coordinated system.”
He appealed to the traditional rulers and institutions to support and key into what the state government is doing so as to make the development of Oyo State seamless.
He also commended the team that has been working with him, particularly the organisers of the Summit, noting, “our achievements will be attributed to the team.”
Also, speaking at the Summit, the former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, commended Makinde and his team for the vision shared and advised on building systems and continuity, noting, “the job has to continue because it is not finished. That is how you can move from ground work to execution.”
