The Ogun State Government has officially concessioned the newly renovated Olumo Rock Tourist Centre to Whatadeal Africa as part of efforts to improve management efficiency, boost revenue generation and reposition the historic site as a globally recognised tourism destination.
The concession was announced on Friday by the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Sesan Fagbayi, during a press briefing at the Olumo Rock Tourist Site in Abeokuta, following the signing of a concession agreement with the Managing Director of Whatadeal Africa, Mr Fela Bank-Olemoh.
Fagbayi said the decision was driven by the state government’s commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships to stimulate economic growth, upgrade infrastructure and enhance the social well-being of residents.
According to the commissioner, the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun remains focused on creating an enabling environment for investors and businesses to thrive, with tourism identified as a key driver of job creation and wealth generation.
“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,” Fagbayi said.
He disclosed that before the renovation, which was completed around July, the state generated less than ₦50 million to ₦60 million annually from the tourist centre. Since the upgrade, however, revenue from the site has recorded a significant increase.
“Now that the government has put structures in place to make Olumo Rock more attractive and beautiful, we felt it was necessary to hand it over to professionals with the capacity to manage it better, improve its global visibility and drive economic activities around it for our shared prosperity,” he added.
Speaking at the event, Whatadeal Africa’s Managing Director, Fela Bank-Olemoh, commended the Abiodun administration for embracing public-private partnerships as a strategy for sustainable development. He assured that the company would manage the facility to international standards while involving local communities in its operations.
“We are bringing international standards into what we are doing here,” Bank-Olemoh said. “Indigenous people will be involved, and various programmes will be introduced to drive tourist traffic. Our ticketing platform is already operational.”
He revealed that while Olumo Rock previously attracted about 70,000 visitors annually, the company is targeting at least 150,000 visitors each year. He also assured that visitors would enjoy comprehensive insurance coverage to ensure safety and a memorable experience.
Governor Abiodun had earlier inaugurated the renovated Olumo Rock Tourist Centre in July after it was shut down in April 2025 for extensive refurbishment. The governor announced that the facility would be opened to the public free of charge for two months to allow residents and visitors experience the upgraded site.
The revamped centre now features a galleria showcasing artworks and images of eminent Nigerians, a gazebo, restaurants serving local and continental dishes, adire fabric shops, standby power supply and newly installed elevators, alongside online and onsite ticketing systems.
Tourism experts say the concession could significantly boost Ogun State’s tourism profile, especially at a time when Nigeria’s tourism sector continues to grapple with infrastructural and policy challenges.
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