Oyo Prioritises Sports Tourism, Leveraging Oluyole Golf Tournament for Economic Boost

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to making sports tourism a cornerstone of Governor Seyi Makinde’s agenda to expand the state’s economy through the burgeoning tourism and hospitality sectors. This strategic focus was highlighted by Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, during a press briefing held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in anticipation of the upcoming Oluyole Golf Tournament 2025.

Commissioner Olatubosun emphasized that Governor Makinde’s administration has proactively put in place various “tourism enablers” across sports, infrastructure, and security sectors to maximize the state’s vast tourism potential. He underscored the intrinsic link between sports and tourism, noting that major sporting events, particularly golfing tournaments, serve as significant drivers of economic activity.

“Sports remain an important part of tourism and hospitality, as most sporting events, especially golfing, drive massive movements into a state, with people lodging in hotels, going round to see tourism sites, and patronising restaurants, bars and clubs,” Olatubosun explained.

He lauded Governor Makinde for establishing crucial “success indicators” that have fostered tourism development, specifically citing improved infrastructure and enhanced security across the state. “We won’t be where we are today if the past governments had focused on success indicators that make tourism thrive. Security is one of them. You are bringing people here and they are willing to come because they feel the state is secure. This state is one of the safest states in Nigeria today,” the Commissioner asserted, attributing this to the Governor’s robust security architecture.

Olatubosun added that the state’s impressive road network and the ongoing upgrade of Ladoke Akintola Airport to international standards would further facilitate the influx of participants and visitors for events like the Oluyole Golf Tournament, enabling them to “explore Ibadan and the state because of the good road networks and secured environment put in place by the governor.”

The Commissioner also commended Folarin Laosun, the initiator and convener of the Oluyole Golf Tournament, describing him as a strong supporter of culture and tourism in the state. He highlighted Laosun’s formidable role in the recently concluded World Egungun Festival, which attracted numerous participants from across the South-West and even the Republic of Benin.

“For us in this state, anything that will support tourism, we are always willing and ready to support it. This is why we are here for Folarin Laosun,” Olatubosun affirmed, pledging continued government support for stakeholders and investors dedicated to promoting tourism within the state.

Earlier, Seyi Alaba, the Chairman of the Ibadan Golf Club, praised the government’s consistent support and acknowledged golf’s potential as a powerful tool for attracting investors and elevating the state’s profile.

The initiator, Folarin Laosun, expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament, which started as a “dream about four years ago” and is now in its fourth edition. This year marks a significant expansion, transforming from a single-day event into an “open tournament” spanning two days for amateur testing, signifying a larger-scale competition.

Laosun expressed optimism that the collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism would significantly boost tourism in Ibadan. He also revealed plans to explore opportunities to expand his business operations into Oyo State, possibly by establishing a factory or an assembly plant, driven by his belief that “Oyo State is a fertile ground for industries, and that is yet to be tapped.”

The 4th edition of the Oluyole Amateur Golf Tournament is scheduled to tee off from August 22 to 24, with between 120 and 150 golfers expected to participate in the three-day competition.