The Oyo State Government has established an Aftercare Services Programme to strengthen support for investors and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the culture and tourism sector, with a focus on retaining existing investments, resolving business challenges and promoting sustainable growth.
The programme, titled “Aftercare and Retention Strategies for Investors, SMEs and Others in the Culture and Tourism Sector in Oyo State,” with the theme “Building a Culture and Tourism Enterprise That Can Grow,” was held at the Western Hall, Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), the programme brought together government officials, investors, SMEs, business associations and other stakeholders in the culture, creative and tourism sectors.
In her goodwill message, the Head of Service, Oyo State, Dr. (Mrs) Adenike Ayobami Fasina, mni, represented by the Director, Career Management Services, Mrs Adebukola Olajire-Akinwale, described the initiative as timely and strategic. She stressed that attracting investment must be complemented by retaining investors, supporting existing businesses and creating an enabling environment for sustainable growth. She noted that Oyo State had significant potential to become a leading destination for cultural tourism and creative enterprise, given its rich cultural heritage, historical sites, festivals, creative talents and growing hospitality industry.
Fasina explained that the programme would strengthen government-private sector relations, identify challenges confronting investors and SMEs, provide institutional support, and enable businesses to operate, expand and create sustainable value in the state. She added that the SABER framework would promote ease of doing business through institutional reforms, regulatory efficiency, transparency, responsiveness and stronger collaboration between government and the private sector.
She urged investors and SMEs to use the platform to share their challenges, ideas and constructive recommendations, stressing that their input would help government develop practical and sustainable policies that would further improve the business environment in Oyo State.
In his keynote address, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, said the establishment of the Aftercare Services Programme demonstrated the commitment of the Oyo State Government to creating a business-friendly environment where investors could establish, grow, expand and sustain their businesses.
He stressed that attracting investment was only the beginning, noting that government must also retain existing investors, support expansion and ensure that businesses continued to find Oyo State conducive for operations. He explained that the programme would provide continuous support to investors and SMEs by identifying their challenges and facilitating appropriate government interventions.
According to him, the programme would improve communication between government and the private sector, reduce administrative bottlenecks. He explained that the programme would provide continuous support to investors and SMEs after commencement of operations by creating a structured mechanism for identifying and addressing their challenges.
Olatubosun highlighted the significant investment opportunities in culture and tourism, including the state’s cultural heritage, festivals, creative industries, hospitality, tourism destinations, arts and crafts, and entertainment. He added that the programme would enable the ministry to maintain a reliable database of investors and SMEs and provide proactive and coordinated support based on their needs.
The Commissioner called for the cooperation of investors, SMEs, business associations, professional bodies, traditional institutions, communities and relevant government agencies to ensure the success of the initiative. He assured investors that Oyo State remained open for business and committed to providing an environment conducive to sustainable investment and enterprise development.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, in his welcome address, charged participants to make meaningful and constructive contributions that would assist the ministry in achieving the objectives of the programme.
Also speaking, the Oyo State Coordinator of SABER, Chief Olayemi Kilanko, appreciated investors for their participation and assured them that the state government would not let them down. He expressed optimism that with the programme in place, Oyo State would move “from the bottom to the top of the ladder” by the end of 2026.
In his remark, the Chairman of FESTAC Africa, Engr. Yinka Abioye, commended the state government and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for creating an opportunity for people to develop and utilise their potential.
Abioye, who noted that culture was important even from his perspective as an engineer, urged the state government to properly package its culture, arts and tourism resources to generate revenue, citing Senegal as an example.
He also urged the Commissioner to plan for Oyo State to showcase its cultural values during the 50th anniversary celebration of FESTAC next year and explore opportunities to take Oyo’s tourism offerings to Senegal.
The programme featured technical sessions on accessing finance for growth; making creative and tourism businesses investable through good governance, risk management, customer and community relations; the Small Claims Court as a tool for business enablement; and sustainable tax compliance for creative enterprises.
A facilitated matchmaking session also enabled participating enterprises to interact with financial institutions, while an enrolment clinic was organised to assist participants.
Participants were drawn from various segments of the culture, creative and tourism industry, including hoteliers, weavers, filmmakers, theatre practitioners, leather workers, visual artists, gallery owners, Nigerian artists, and travel and tour operators.
The programme concluded with the adoption of a communiqué and discussions on the next steps and follow-up phase by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The initiative is expected to strengthen government-private sector collaboration, improve the experience of investors and SMEs, facilitate access to finance and government services, and contribute to the growth of Oyo State’s culture, creative and tourism economy.
