The State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, Commandant Padonu, on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, received the Honourable Commissioner for the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, on a courtesy visit at the Command Headquarters, Agodi, Ibadan.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Olatunbosun provided an overview of the evolution of the Ministry, explaining its transition from the former Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to its current status as the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2023. He noted that the restructuring was designed to enhance focus, improve efficiency, and accelerate the development of culture and tourism as strategic drivers of socio-economic growth in Oyo State.
The Honourable Commissioner commended the Engineer Seyi Makinde-led administration for its extensive infrastructural development across the state, stating that these projects have significantly boosted tourism and investment opportunities. He cited the installation of streetlights covering over 280 kilometres of roads, the construction of approximately 500 kilometres of roads, and an additional 480 kilometres currently under construction, which he expressed confidence would be completed before the end of the present administration.
Dr. Olatunbosun also highlighted Oyo State’s rich cultural and natural heritage, with particular emphasis on the Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake. He described it as the only naturally occurring suspended lake in the world, apart from an artificial one in the United States of America, noting that such unique attractions place Oyo State on the global tourism map.
He further disclosed that the Governor has continued to provide strong support to the Ministry to revive and sustain cultural activities across the state. According to him, the Ministry has successfully promoted globally recognised festivals, including the UNESCO-recognised Oni Sango Festival. He revealed that the World Egungun Festival hosted in 2024 attracted about 50,000 participants, while the 2025 edition recorded an additional 18,000 participants. The festival, held at Adamasingba Stadium, featured contingents from various Yoruba-speaking states and the Republic of Benin. He added that the 2026 edition of the festival is projected to take place between May 1 and 2.
The Honourable Commissioner stressed that sustainable tourism development cannot thrive without adequate security, noting that discussions on security in Oyo State would be incomplete without acknowledging the critical role of the NSCDC. He praised the Corps for its professionalism and proactive approach, expressing the Ministry’s confidence in NSCDC’s capacity to provide effective security for cultural events, tourists, participants, and members of the diaspora visiting the state.
In his response, the State Commandant expressed appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner for the visit and commended his wealth of cultural knowledge and passion, which he noted have contributed significantly to the promotion of Oyo State’s cultural heritage and tourism sector.
Commandant Padonu reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC to supporting government initiatives by ensuring a safe and secure environment for residents and visitors. He stated that the Corps remains a major pillar in the state’s security architecture, particularly through its active involvement in the special joint security initiative, Operation Burst. He added that NSCDC has also played key roles in tactical operations across the state and continues to provide dedicated security to critical sectors, including agriculture through the Agro Rangers unit and the mining sector.
He assured the Honourable Commissioner of the Corps’ continued partnership and readiness to provide robust security support for all culture- and tourism-related activities in Oyo State.
The visit concluded on a cordial note, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustained collaboration in the interest of peace, security, cultural preservation, and tourism development in Oyo State.