Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun on Wednesday pledged to make Olumo Rock the top tourism destination in Nigeria through focused government intervention and investment.

He made this pledge while inspecting the Olumo Rock Tourist Centre in Abeokuta, emphasising its cultural and historical significance to Egbaland, Ogun and Nigeria, at large.

According to the governor, the site has attracted over 20,000 visitors in 2024, reflecting its importance as a heritage and tourism landmark in the state.

Abiodun explained that his administration would now prioritise tourism as a strategic policy to harness the economic potential within the sector for sustainable growth.

He added that a comprehensive plan would be developed to ensure Olumo Rock receives the high-quality development and attention it rightly deserves as a premier tourist site.

“The focus has now shifted to tourism. We will deliberately advance our efforts in developing the tourism sector to unlock its full potential.

“We have seen countries whose sole income source is tourism,” he added. “Some have moved from oil dependency to earning 70 per cent of their revenue through tourism,” he said.

The governor highlighted that Olumo Rock remains the foremost tourist attraction in Ogun, requiring consistent maintenance and promotion to preserve its value.

He stressed that without deliberate government action to restore and maintain such sites, they risk gradual degradation and loss of historical and economic value.

“I commend those maintaining this centre. It can receive better care, and from now on, it will get the best attention possible.

“I have noted several necessary improvements and we will be implementing those changes promptly to elevate the site’s status and appeal,” the governor said. (NAN)