2025 WTD: Oyo Partners WIHN To Promote, Revive Cultural Heritage

Oyo State government has announced collaboration with the state’s chapter of Women In Hospitality Nigeria (WIHN) to celebrate the 2025 World Tourism Day (WTD), with the aim to promote and revive the cultural heritage across the state.

Speaking at the 2025 World Tourism Day held at the National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun explained that tourism had become a central pillar of the State’s cultural revival and sustainability drive.

Olatunbosun highlighted the government’s achievements in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s Omituntun 2.0 Roadmap for Sustainable Development.

He said, “Oyo State today is the most active in cultural promotion in the entire South-West. We have revived festivals that were once at the brink of extinction, and people are now proud to identify with our heritage”, Olatunbosun said.

The commissioner noted that in December 2023, UNESCO officially recognised and listed the Sango Festival in Oyo as a world intangible cultural festival.

He called on individuals, associations, and corporate organisations to partner with the state in sustaining cultural initiatives, stressing that “the government cannot do it alone.”

The Regional Director of WIHN in the State, Mrs. Oluwakemi Olusola, expressed gratitude to the state government for its support even with the launch of the chapter less than two months ago.

Olusola added that the collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has already strengthened the association’s visibility and credibility.

“The theme of this year’s World Tourism Day is Tourism and Sustainable Transformation. This partnership means a lot to us as women making an impact in the hospitality and tourism industry.

“Together, we are building not just an association, but a community of strong women who have a voice in shaping the future of tourism”, Olusola said.

Also speaking, the Curator of the National Museum of Unity, Mrs. Pamela Oriyomi Otuka, described the celebration as “historic,” stressing that women, culture, and hospitality were critical to Nigeria’s sustainable tourism future.

“Hospitality is about welcome and human connection, and women are at the heart of it. As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2025, let us commit to championing women as leaders in tourism, embedding sustainability in every festival, and preserving our cultural heritage for generations to come,” he said.

Other key panelists at the event include Mrs Pamela Oriyomi Otuka, Mrs Olanike Mustapha and Mrs Jumoke Olowowaste, all who stressed the commitments to deepen collaboration between government, cultural institutions, and private stakeholders in ensuring that Oyo State remains at the forefront of cultural preservation and sustainable tourism in Nigeria.