The Ogun State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SystemSpecs Whatadeal, a private tourism, lifestyle and technology company, for the management and development of the historic Olumo Rock Tourism Centre in Abeokuta.
The agreement was formally executed at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Development, Okemosan, Abeokuta, under the supervision of the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, marking a new phase in the state’s tourism advancement strategy.
Speaking to journalists after the signing ceremony at the Olumo Rock Tourism Complex in Ikija, Abeokuta, Fagbayi said the partnership is aimed at repositioning the iconic site to enhance its appeal, improve visitor experience and significantly boost the state’s internally generated revenue through an efficient public-private partnership framework.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the state government’s conviction that the private sector plays a critical role in driving innovation, sustainability and growth, particularly in tourism development.
“This partnership reflects our belief that the private sector remains a key driver of innovation and efficiency. Our goal is to unlock the full economic and cultural potential of Olumo Rock while delivering a world-class experience to visitors,” the commissioner said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Office of Public Private Partnerships, Barr. Dapo Oduwole, described the agreement as a strategic move to position Ogun State as a competitive tourism hub.
He noted that Whatadeal has demonstrated strong capacity in tourism innovation and expressed confidence in the company’s ability to transform Olumo Rock into a globally attractive destination.
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to creating an enabling environment for credible investors to partner with Ogun State across critical sectors of the economy,” Oduwole added.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Whatadeal, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh, expressed appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun for entrusting the company with the management of one of Nigeria’s most iconic heritage sites.
He assured that the firm is fully prepared to introduce world-class innovations to elevate the tourism experience at Olumo Rock.
According to him, the objective is to make the site a top-priority destination for both local and international tourists, positioning it among the key reasons visitors choose to travel to Nigeria.
“Olumo Rock is one of the most symbolic tourism landmarks in Nigeria and Africa,” Bank-Olemoh said.
“Our commitment is to raise its standards and ensure that anyone visiting Nigeria sees Olumo Rock as an essential destination.”
He disclosed that planned upgrades include immersive reality centres, gaming arcades, improved recreational facilities and enhanced visitor management systems.
The partnership signals a new chapter for Olumo Rock, reinforcing Ogun State’s commitment to tourism development, economic diversification and global destination branding.
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