Ogun State joined the global community to mark World Tourism Day 2025, themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, with a resounding call to action for youth innovation, cultural preservation, and collaborative product development across Nigeria’s regions.

Delivering the keynote address, Prince Femi Fadina, President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s tourism industry rests squarely on the shoulders of the youth. He highlighted the critical role of technology, content creation, and mentorship in shaping a sustainable sector, while stressing the need for structured guidance from the West, East, and Central senatorial districts.

“Ogun State holds a complete tourism product — from Ojude Oba to Lisabi Ganza, from Egungun in Ota to the rebranded Olumo Rock. 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,” Fadina declared.

The Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, representing His Excellency, the Governor of Ogun State, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to leveraging tourism as a driver of sustainable growth. She noted that Ogun’s rich heritage, cultural festivals, and natural assets remain pillars for domestic and international tourism.

Also speaking, the Hon. Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sesan Fagbayi, delivered the message of the United Nations Secretary-General, underscoring the global vision for tourism as a tool for sustainability, inclusivity, and economic resilience.

The event called on stakeholders — from custodians of tradition to local government authorities — to rise together in repositioning Ogun’s tourism products. The focus remains clear: building capacity, mentoring the next generation, and promoting Nigeria’s cultural narratives by Nigerians themselves.

World Tourism Day 2025 in Ogun State was not only a celebration but a strategic rallying point — a reminder that tourism is more than leisure; it is identity, empowerment, and the pathway to a sustainable future.