By Olaniyi Ajibola
While the 21st century’s idea of diverse economic advancement started from the narration of diversification, as countries, mostly developing economies came up with the thoughts of generating revenue through multiple means, this has now been overtaken by the concept of creative economy; an economic system where human imagination, creativity and intellectual property generate value and driving growth through certain sectors.
This speaks to the fact that it is not the number of sectors from where revenue is generated that matters but the degree of value certain sectors provide through creative initiatives and ideas. Afterall, a social commentator once said that ,” You don’t see money with your eyes but with your mind and a poor man is not a man without cash but a man without idea”.
This strength of the mind to create value in certain sectors through creativity is what is changing the dynamics of Ogun State’s economy since Prince Dapo Abiodun assumed office as the 5th executive governor of Ogun State, as he embarked on aggressive departure from stagnant economic system of old, which solely depended on monthly allocations from the federation account.
As Governor Dapo Abiodun’s success in industrialization through brilliant policies that made Ogun State the best in Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria remains indelible across the country so also the dynamic creativity he brought to bear in the tourism sector of the state to boost the state’s economy further and more efficiently.
One of the significant historical tourist sites in Ogun State is Olumo Rock, a primordial symbol of sanctuary for the Egba sub-ethnic group of Ogun State in the early 19th century, which became a fascinating site of attraction for people around the world.
Meanwhile, despite Olumo’s historical value and attractive ambience, lack of political will and inemptitude leadership over the years have made it impossible for the centre to add relevant value to the state’s economy.
It is in view of this reality that Governor Dapo Abiodun closed down the tourist centre for immediate renovation in April 2025. Showing a genuine concern and undiluted political will to transform the centre and make it a place of economic value for the state, the massive renovation was carried out with the speed of light and within three months, the centre was ready.
The centre comprises a galleria that contains artworks made up of pictures of eminent Nigerians, a gazebo, a restaurant that will serve both local and continental dishes, shops for selling adire fabrics, and a standby generator that will power the newly installed elevators and other facilities, coupled with the introduction of online ticketing to guarantee accountability.
Inaugurating the centre on July 31, 2025, Governor Dapo Abiodun, flanked by eminent personalities in the state announced that the place was officially opened for business with free entry to all members of the public till the end of September 2025. This turned out to become a strategy that launched the tourist centre to the new world of economic transformation.
The Governor later confirmed the degree of the economic transformation while receiving the management of MAG Group led by its strategic advisor, Mr Fayad Fayad at his office in Oke-mosan, Abeokuta late September saying before the renovation of the centre, its turnover stood at N20 million per annum, adding that the recent renovation had attracted more tourists to the site and tremendously increased the turnover to N20 million weekly.
To further strengthen this revolution and sustain the tempo of speedy economic advancement at the centre, the state government on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Whatadeal Tourism Ltd for efficient management of the Olumo Tourism Centre.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi signed on behalf of the State government while Mr. Fela Bank-Olemoh, signed for Whatadeal Ltd, at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Addressing Journalists at the Centre, the Commissioner noted that the decision to concession the site was to ensure that it is being manage by professionals who have the technical know-how in the sector.
Fagbayi further corroborated what the the Governor has earlier announced in September noting that the center has significantly improved the revenue base of the state, as he expressed optimism that the State would benefit more if the centre is being manage by professionals.
He said, “Before the renovation, we made less than N50m- N60m in a year but since the Ministry took over from August 26 to November 2, 2025, we made significant amount of money that increased the Internally Generated Revenue of the State, so, giving it to professionals that have more expertise and experience in the sector, we expect that they will make reasonable amount of money into the purse of the State government.
The Managing Director of Whatadeal Ltd, Mr. Fela Bank-Olemoh, in his address said his organization is happy to take over the running of Olumo Rock which is one of the most iconic tourist sites in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, saying apart from organizing various events, shows that include plays would also be staged on regular basis at the centre to attract more tourists across the world.
“We are going to have a Virtual Reality Center here so when you come here if you don’t visit the virtual reality center,you’ve not visited Olumo, beyond climbing the rock, there are other things that will attract you here.
“We are going to ensure that there is a game arcade in this place, we are going to do many things to attract people here which is exactly what the government want to achieve in the first place, to increase attendance, maintenance of this site, create international standard in running this place, make this a place that people will want to visit when they come to Nigeria and that is commitment we’ve made, that is what we are going to do.
”We are going to ensure that we maintain the standard that has been set here and also improve it, like I told you, our vision is very clear, when we talk about tourism in Nigeria, we want it to be undoubtedly clear that one place you must visit if you come to Nigeria is Olumo Rock.
“One of the key things we’ve done is that the staff in Olumo remain here, we want to ensure that indigenes are here running Olumo, Nigerians are here running Olumo, that is going to continue, you are going to see more traffic here.
“We are making a promise to the Government of Ogun State, the people of Ogun State and Nigerians that keep an eye on Olumo, this site is going to become the most visited site in the country and when you’re coming to Africa, people will say, I want to visit Olumo, that is our promise and that is what we are going to do”.
This is indeed a profound assurance from a determined partner that knows his onus and prepare to hit the ground running with utmost alacrity. Some will say the company has no choice than to deliver effectively, considering the sophistication of template laid already by the state government towards making the site a global choice of sort.
Ajibola is a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Strategic Communications
