Great weekends are not always about relaxation alone—they are sometimes about vision, strategy, and meaningful engagement with great minds. This past Valentine’s weekend in Oyo State was exactly that: a refreshing yet productive experience that blended policy discussions, heritage visits, infrastructure inspection, and cultural tourism. It was a powerful reminder that Oyo State—particularly the Oke-Ogun axis—is steadily positioning itself on the global map through innovation, leadership, and strategic partnerships.
A Strategic Stop at IITA Ibadan: Conversations That Matter
Our journey began at the prestigious International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan. Established in 1967, IITA remains one of Africa’s foremost agricultural research institutions, renowned globally for its contributions to food security, agribusiness development, climate-smart agriculture, and youth empowerment across the continent.
At IITA, we spent a few productive hours with Dr. Debo Akande, engaging in robust discussions centered around areas of mutual interest. Agriculture remains the backbone of many African economies, and Oyo State is no exception. With Ibadan serving as a key intellectual and economic hub in southwestern Nigeria, conversations at IITA carry significant weight—especially when they focus on agribusiness, investment opportunities, rural development, and sustainable growth.
The visit underscored the importance of collaboration between public institutions, private stakeholders, and development-focused organizations. In recent years, Oyo State has increasingly aligned itself with agricultural innovation, youth inclusion, and food production strategies aimed at boosting economic diversification beyond oil dependency. Discussions like the one we had at IITA reflect a broader commitment to practical partnerships that can stimulate long-term economic transformation.
Bridging Generations: Meeting with Mr. Ademola Ajibola
Following our strategic meeting, we were joined by a respected elder and dear uncle from Otu—Mr. Ademola Ajibola, former Permanent Secretary for Lands in Oyo State. His wealth of experience in land administration, public service, and governance added depth to our ongoing conversations.
Land administration remains one of the most sensitive and critical sectors in Nigeria’s development framework. Issues surrounding land use, title documentation, urban expansion, rural development, and property rights directly impact investment confidence and economic growth. Having someone with firsthand institutional knowledge and years of public service experience offered valuable insights into policy continuity and reform.
Intergenerational dialogue is often underestimated in governance conversations. However, it is through such engagements that historical context meets modern innovation. The exchange of ideas between seasoned administrators and emerging development advocates reflects the evolving leadership culture in Oyo State.
Culinary Heritage Stop in Iseyin: Celebrating Culture Through Amala
Before proceeding to our next major destination, we made a deliberate stop at our usual Amala spot in Iseyin. No meaningful journey through Oke-Ogun is complete without celebrating its rich culinary heritage. Amala—one of Yoruba land’s most iconic delicacies—symbolizes tradition, community, and cultural pride.
Food tourism continues to gain recognition as a significant contributor to local economies. In Oyo State, cities like Iseyin are not just agricultural centers but also cultural custodians. By supporting local eateries and small businesses, visitors contribute directly to grassroots economic sustainability.
This stop was more than a meal; it was a reaffirmation of identity. Cultural preservation, even in small gestures like patronizing traditional food spots, plays a crucial role in strengthening community bonds and sustaining local enterprises.
A Brief Stop in Otu: Paying Respect and Strengthening Community Ties
From Iseyin, we proceeded to Otu, where we stopped at Uncle Demola’s residence. Community relationships remain central to leadership and development in Oyo State, particularly in semi-urban and rural communities. Otu, like many towns in the Oke-Ogun region, reflects the resilience and quiet strength of indigenous settlements that continue to contribute to the state’s socio-economic framework.
These stops remind us that development is not only about policy or infrastructure; it is also about people. Strengthening relationships at the community level ensures that growth remains inclusive and participatory.
Kap Film Village & Resort: Where Culture Meets Creativity
Our final destination was the iconic Kap Film Village and Resort located in the Komu/Igbojaye axis of Oke-Ogun. Founded by celebrated Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, Kap Film Village has quickly become one of Nigeria’s most talked-about creative tourism destinations.
The resort represents a fusion of filmmaking, cultural preservation, eco-tourism, and hospitality. It has hosted numerous productions and continues to attract filmmakers, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond. By situating the facility in Oke-Ogun, Kunle Afolayan made a strategic statement: world-class creativity does not have to be confined to Lagos or Abuja.
Kap Film Village aligns with Oyo State’s broader tourism and cultural development strategy. The state government has consistently emphasized tourism as a viable economic driver capable of generating employment, stimulating local businesses, and increasing internally generated revenue.
Infrastructure Progress: Official Visit by the Commissioner for Works
While at Kap Film Village, we received an official visit from the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Mr. Mogbonjubola, who was on inspection of the newly commissioned roads stretching from Okaka to Baba-Ode. These roads were commissioned under the administration of Seyi Makinde, whose government has prioritized infrastructure rehabilitation and expansion across Oyo State.
Infrastructure development remains a key pillar of economic growth. Improved road networks facilitate trade, reduce transportation costs, enhance access to rural communities, and encourage private sector investment. The Okaka–Baba-Ode road corridor is particularly significant for communities within Oke-Ogun, as it improves connectivity between agricultural hubs and urban markets.
Governor Makinde’s administration has repeatedly emphasized road rehabilitation, rural connectivity, and economic integration. Inspections like this demonstrate active governance, accountability, and a commitment to ensuring that public projects meet expected standards.
The visit by the Commissioner reinforced the synergy between tourism development and infrastructure expansion. Without accessible roads, destinations like Kap Film Village would struggle to maximize their potential impact.
Valentine’s Day with Purpose
Spending Valentine’s Day in this manner was uniquely fulfilling. While many celebrate the day traditionally, we chose to celebrate vision, partnership, and progress. There is something profoundly meaningful about combining personal connections with purposeful engagement.
Valentine’s Day is fundamentally about appreciation and love—not just romantic love, but love for community, culture, and progress. In that sense, the weekend was a celebration of Oyo State itself: its people, its infrastructure growth, its cultural richness, and its leadership vision.
Oyo State and Oke-Ogun to the World
Oyo State continues to assert its relevance nationally and internationally. From agricultural innovation at IITA to cultural tourism at Kap Film Village, and from improved road networks to strengthened community ties, the narrative is one of forward momentum.
The Oke-Ogun region, often overlooked in broader development conversations, is increasingly emerging as a strategic corridor for tourism, agriculture, and creative enterprise. With deliberate planning and sustained investment, it holds immense potential to contribute significantly to the state’s GDP.
As conversations continue and partnerships deepen, one thing remains clear: progress is not accidental. It is intentional, collaborative, and rooted in vision.
This was indeed an amazing and refreshing weekend—one defined by meaningful engagement, cultural pride, infrastructural progress, and forward-looking dialogue. And truly, what better way to mark Valentine’s Day than by investing time in ideas that shape the future?
The rest of the story continues in the next post. 🥂
Oyo State and Oke-Ogun to the world.
Oyo State Government | #OkeOgun | #Itesiwaju
Ire.
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