The Ogun State Government has handed over the management of the newly renovated Olumo Rock Tourist Centre to travel and tours company, Whatadeal Africa, in a move aimed at improving efficiency, boosting revenue generation and repositioning the historic site as a global tourism destination.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Sesan Fagbayi, announced the concession on Friday at the Olumo Rock Tourist Centre, Abeokuta, shortly after signing the concession agreement with the Managing Director of Whatadeal Africa, Mr. Fela Bank-Olemoh.

Fagbayi said the decision aligns with the Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s commitment to public-private partnerships (PPP) as a strategy for economic growth, infrastructure development and improved social well-being of residents.

According to him, the state government would continue to provide an enabling environment for businesses and investors to thrive, thereby promoting job creation, wealth generation and shared prosperity.

“You will recall that the administration of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, recently embarked on the massive renovation of Olumo Rock and upgraded its facilities to make the site more attractive to tourists,” the commissioner said.

“Before the extensive renovation, which was completed around July, the state was generating less than ₦50 million to ₦60 million annually from the site. Since the upgrade, there has been a significant improvement in revenue generation.

“Now that government has put structures in place to enhance the beauty and appeal of Olumo Rock, it became necessary to hand it over to professionals with the capacity to manage it more efficiently, improve its global visibility and stimulate economic activities around the site,” he added.

Speaking at the event, Bank-Olemoh commended the Abiodun administration for prioritising PPPs as a catalyst for economic development, assuring that Whatadeal Africa would transform Olumo Rock into the most visited tourist destination in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the company is targeting over 150,000 visitors annually, more than double the site’s previous average of about 70,000 visitors per year.

“We are bringing international standards into our operations. Indigenous people will be actively involved, and we will roll out programmes designed to drive tourist traffic. Our ticketing platform is already operational,” he said.

“We have been in this business for 30 years, and we assure the people of Ogun State and Nigeria that Olumo Rock will become the most visited tourist site in the country. When people plan trips to Africa, Olumo Rock will be on their itinerary.

“When you come to Nigeria, visiting Olumo Rock will be a must-do activity. We will also provide insurance coverage for all visitors, among other initiatives, to ensure safety and a memorable experience,” Bank-Olemoh added.

Governor Abiodun had earlier inaugurated the renovated Olumo Rock Tourist Centre in July after the facility was shut down in April 2025 for rehabilitation.

The governor announced that the centre was officially reopened for business and would be free to the public for two months, allowing residents and visitors to experience the upgraded facility.

The renovated centre now features a galleria showcasing artworks and images of eminent Nigerians, a gazebo, a restaurant offering both local and continental dishes, retail shops for adire fabrics, and a standby power generator to support newly installed elevators and other facilities.

A major innovation introduced during the renovation is a ticketing system, available both online and onsite.

Speaking during the inauguration, Abiodun said the upgrades would boost local commerce, empower youths and deepen Ogun State’s cultural and creative economy.

“We invite you to come and experience Olumo Rock free of charge. Come, see and be inspired by the origins of Olumo Rock,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, a 2024 study by the Journal of Tourism and Heritage Studies noted that although Nigeria is richly endowed with cultural and natural tourism assets, the sector remains largely underdeveloped due to insecurity, poor infrastructure, inconsistent policies and inadequate service quality.

The study observed that while domestic tourism has recorded modest growth, international tourism remains constrained, despite government incentives and the popularity of destinations such as the Obudu Cattle Ranch.