The Ogun State Government has 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 leading global tourism destination.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Sesan Fagbayi, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists at the Olumo Rock Tourist Site, Abeokuta, after signing the concession agreement with the Managing Director of Whatadeal Africa, Mr Fela Bank-Olemoh.
Fagbayi said the concession aligns with the commitment of the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun to leveraging public-private partnerships to drive economic growth, infrastructure development and social well-being in the state.
According to him, the government would continue to provide an enabling environment for investors and businesses to thrive, noting that such partnerships would enhance job creation, wealth generation and shared prosperity.
“You will recall that the administration of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, recently embarked on the massive renovation of Olumo Rock, upgrading its facilities to make the site more attractive to tourists,” Fagbayi said.
He explained that before the renovation, the state generated less than ₦50 million to ₦60 million annually from the tourist centre, adding that revenue had increased significantly following the upgrade, which was completed around July.
“Now that government has put structures in place to enhance the beauty and appeal of Olumo Rock, it became necessary to hand it over to professionals with the capacity to manage it better, improve its global visibility and stimulate economic activities around the site,” the commissioner added.
Speaking at the event, Bank-Olemoh commended the Abiodun administration for adopting public-private partnerships as a strategy for sustainable development, assuring that Whatadeal Africa would deploy international best practices in managing the tourist centre.
He said the company aims to make Olumo Rock the most visited tourist destination in Nigeria, targeting at least 150,000 visitors annually.
“We are bringing international standards into our operations here. Indigenous people will be involved in running the centre, and we will introduce various programmes to drive tourist traffic,” he said.
“Our ticketing platform is already operational. If the site previously attracted about 70,000 visitors annually, our goal is to double that figure. We are targeting over 150,000 tourists every year.”
Bank-Olemoh added that the company, with over 30 years’ experience in the travel and tourism industry, would also provide insurance coverage for all visitors and introduce other safety and experience-enhancing initiatives.
Governor Abiodun had inaugurated the renovated Olumo Rock Tourist Centre in July after it was shut down in April 2025 for rehabilitation, announcing that the facility would be opened free of charge to the public for two months to allow residents experience the upgraded site.
The renovated centre features a galleria showcasing artworks and images of eminent Nigerians, a gazebo, a restaurant offering local and continental cuisine, retail shops for adire fabrics, and a standby power system to support newly installed elevators and other facilities. The upgrade also introduced both online and onsite ticketing systems.
Speaking during the inauguration, Abiodun said the innovations at Olumo Rock would boost local commerce, empower youths and strengthen Ogun State’s cultural and creative economy.
Olumo Rock is one of Nigeria’s most iconic historical and cultural landmarks, located in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. The massive granite outcrop served as a natural fortress for the Egba people during inter-tribal wars in the 19th century, offering refuge and strategic advantage against invading forces.
Beyond its historical significance, Olumo Rock is revered as a spiritual and cultural symbol, featuring ancient shrines, caves, inscriptions and natural formations that reflect the heritage of the Egba people.
Over the years, it has evolved into a major tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of Abeokuta and serving as a centrepiece for cultural tourism in southwestern Nigeria.
