In a bid to promote youth involvement in cultural tourism and drive economic development, the Osun State Government announced the inaugural edition of the Osun Tourism Extravaganza and Mega Tourism Expo 2025.
The two-day event, themed The Big Tourism Show, is slated to hold on August 6 and 7, 2025, and is set to reposition Osun as a premier cultural and tourism destination in Nigeria and Africa.
At a press briefing to unveil the initiative on Tuesday in Osogbo, the Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ojo Abiodun Bamikole said the event is a deliberate effort to expose the state’s rich cultural heritage and promote tourism as a viable contributor to Osun’s economy.
“We are bringing in more people to experience Osun’s unique offerings. When we promote and expose what we have, people become curious, involved, and invested. The youth are at the center of this initiative it is their project, and it is time for them to own it,” he said.
Additionally, the General Manager of the Osun State Tourism Board, Oluwatoyin Ajayi, emphasized the long-term impact of the expo on the state’s tourism economy.
“The Tourism Extravaganza and Mega Expo will significantly enhance the visibility of Osun’s cultural and tourism potential.
With investors and tourists coming from across Nigeria and beyond, this event will open up our communities and showcase hidden festivals and heritage sites.
It is a revival of domestic tourism, and in the long run, we expect to see international tourism and cultural exchange flourish,” she stated.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Youth Congress, Osun State Chapter, Olayemi Olaribigbe, assured that youth will be fully integrated into the planning and execution of the program.
“This is a youth-inclusive event from the ground up. We are already partnering with stakeholders interested in exploring Osun’s cultural economy.
The youth will also assist in mapping and documenting tourist centers across the state, helping to guide future visitors. It’s not just a one-time event it’s a springboard for youth empowerment and cultural development,” he explained.
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