The Organising committee of first International Tourism summit in Oyo State (#ITSOyoState 2024) has called for Governor’s Tourism award nominations

The awardees are to be recognized for their contributions to the State Tourism development at an award ceremony during the summit.

The two-day international summit is slated for International Conference center, University of Ibadan, between April 17 and 18, 2024.

The Governor’s Tourism Award ceremony, accordingly to Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, Chairman of ITSOyostate2024 Planning Committee, who doubles as the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, is to publicly acknowledge the contribution of individuals and facilities to the growth of the State’s tourism sector.

He said, “As we intend to take tourism in the State to a higher level, it is apt that we recognize those who, over the years, have contributed to the growth of the sector in the State. This, we believe, will challenge them to do more and encourage others to also contribute their own quota to the development of the sector.”

Speaking about the international tourism summit, Dr. Olatubosun said it is meant to showcase the State’s tourism endowments with a view to attracting investors who will develop them to global standards.

The awards come in seven categories. These are, Tourism Person of the Year, which is an award for the foremost driver of tourism in Oyo State.

The Special Contribution to Oyo State Tourism Award is for an individual or group that has made invaluable contributions towards the development of tourism in Oyo State. Five individuals/groups will win this award.

The Oyo State Tourism Ambassador goes to a creative person or group renowned for contributing to the growth of tourism in Oyo State. The award targets journalists, travel bloggers, skit makers and content creators whose activities support tourism.

The Oyo State Tourism Facility of the Year award is for a privately owned facility that attracts the most tourists in the State because of its state-of-the-art facilities, superb customer service and attention to environmental sustainability.

The Oyo State Tourism Destination of the Year award is for destination that receives some of the highest number of visitors/tourists in the year and gives the greatest visibility to tourism in Oyo State.

The Oyo State Emerging Tourist Site Award is for a new is tourism destination that attracts a high number of visitors/tourists in the year, thus giving greater visibility to tourism in the State.

The Oyo State Cultural Presentation Winner of the Year will be conferred on the zone with the best presentation during the opening ceremony of #ITSOyoState2024.

Those who wish to nominate individuals or facilities for any of the award categories are to visit

https://tourism.oyostate.gov.ng/itsoyostate2024/nomination-page/ to make their nomiantions.

At the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday, the Honourable Commissioner received the founder of a non-governmental organization, Ebunlobinrin Foundation, Hon Michael Olusanya Okoya alongside the eminent members as regards an upcoming event tagged- “AsaYan” to commemorate World Culture Day of May 21st.

A complimented effort and collaboration was assured by the Ministry, as sought by the foundation in their quest to support and promote the Yoruba culture both in tangible and intangible form, to prompt and i incorporate development in the Society.

The Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture has held auditions for new artistes, as it works towards the expansion and rebrand of the Oyo State Performing Troupe.

Speaking at the auditioning which took place today at the open space of the Cultural Centre, Mokola Ibadan, the Commissioner for the Ministry, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun stated that the rebranded performing troupe will promote Oyo State’s cultural heritage, norms and values thus projecting the State positively.

Olatubosun charged the auditionees on sacrificial resilience and unwavering determination to work with the visionary structure of the Ministry.

He further urged them to see the phase as an avenue to contribute meaningfully towards the progressive drive of culture and tourism development in the State; asserting that outstanding performances will surely be a source of revenue generation through public acceptability and recognition.

In her remarks, the General Manager, Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs Olayinka Adedeji admonished the participants to be good ambassadors of the Council and project the image of the State and bring their expertise to bear should they be successful at the auditions.

Youths and young adults turned out in their numbers for the auditions to display their talents ranging from praise poetry to oral poetry known as ‘Esa’ and ‘Ijala’ respectively. Others displayed singing, chanting, drumming and dancing skills.

Other special features included artistic musical performances, acrobatic display, dance drama, theatrical mimes and cross-cultural music presentation.

Panelists drawn from the Creative Industry conducted the auditions and chose the best candidates.

The panelists were Oriyomi Duro Ladipo, Biodun Adekanmbi, Christopher Abdul Onibasa and some directors of the Ministry.

The audition was birthed by a nine-member committee comprising Directors of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture as well as Creative Artists, chaired by Mr Adekunle Agboola.

It is an exciting time as the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun turns Sixty today, 11th January, 2024.

The indefatigable political gallant and cultural enthusiast clocks the milestone age of diamond jubilee.

This adept administrator, astute leader, core journalist, communication expert and ardent propagator and promoter of cultural values and heritage, redefining Tourism in the State, adorns so many caps and they all fit perfectly.

A multi-time commissioner and still serving in the same political capacity under this administration with lots of unprecedented achievements to his trajectory attains the Sixth ladder of gracious ageing.

Once again, happy birthday to a visionary, experienced, resilient, inspirational and  man of integrity and accountability with dignity.

Happy Diamond Jubilee Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun.

The Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Ministry Oyo State