Deborah Akinyosoye
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday, commissioned the newly renovated Olumo Rock Tourist Complex in Abeokuta and announced that entry to the facility will be free for all visitors until the end of September 2025.
The governor said the initiative is intended to promote tourism and cultural appreciation in the state.
“This gesture is to encourage people to embrace tourism as well as appreciate the richness of the culture and traditions of the people in the state,” Abiodun stated at the commissioning ceremony.
The renovated complex includes a galleria featuring images of notable Nigerians, a gazebo, a restaurant serving both local and continental dishes, shops for adire fabrics, and a standby generator to power the new elevators and other facilities.
“Olumo Rock is more than a majestic outcrop or an assemblage of stones; it represents a sanctuary of strength, a symbol of refuge, and an identity for a people,” the governor said. “Renovating this sacred site is not just about infrastructure; it is about reviving memory, rekindling pride, and reaffirming our cultural roots.”
Abiodun emphasized the potential of tourism to create jobs, attract investment, and support community development, adding that his administration would continue to prioritize the sector as part of its ISEYA development agenda.
He said the revamped tourist centre would be concessioned to a reputable organization to ensure proper maintenance.
Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi commended the governor for the upgrade, stating that it would increase visitor numbers.
Also speaking at the event, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, described Olumo Rock as historically significant to the Egba people. He noted that the site served as a refuge and military observation point in earlier times and continues to be regarded as a spiritual and recreational site.
Chief Executive Officer of Nike Arts Gallery, Chief (Mrs) Nike Okundaye, said the renovation would attract more international visitors and stimulate knowledge exchange and job creation.
“We are going to bring people who are art lovers from different museums all over the world to come and celebrate our culture and our heritage, which is Olumo,” she said. “We will share our knowledge with them, and they will also share their knowledge with us.”