The Oyo State Government has unveiled plans to expand the state’s arts and crafts industry through investment, export promotion and strategic partnerships aimed at securing greater access to international markets.
The initiative is part of efforts to harness the state’s cultural heritage, tourism potential and creative economy to generate wealth, attract investors and create employment opportunities.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, disclosed this during a press briefing ahead of the Oyo State Business Forum 2026, themed “Investment and Export Promotion of Arts and Crafts Business in Oyo State”, held at the State Secretariat, Ibadan.
Olatubosun said the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde was repositioning cultural festivals beyond traditional celebrations into internationally recognised tourism and entertainment products capable of attracting visitors and investment.
He cited the inscription of the Sango Festival on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, saying the recognition had strengthened the state’s international cultural profile.
The commissioner also highlighted the growing popularity of the World Egungun Festival, noting that attendance increased from between 6,000 and 7,000 visitors in 2024 to over 17,000 in 2025 and more than 19,000 in 2026. He added that over 50 per cent of this year’s visitors came from outside Oyo State.
He disclosed that the ministry was collaborating with the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, to document the state’s cultural assets and working with the Office of the Special Adviser on AfCFTA to connect local creatives with international markets.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA), Tilewa Folami, represented by the Director of Public-Private Partnerships, Adebisi Ajayi, said the forum was designed to attract investors and showcase business opportunities in the arts and crafts sector.
The forum consultant, Lawal Akolade, said the industry had enormous economic potential but remained largely untapped due to inadequate research and documentation.
Renowned visual artist and cultural ambassador, Chief Tunde Odunlade, also called for increased government and private-sector investment, describing art and culture as valuable finished products with strong international market potential.
The Oyo State Business Forum 2026 is expected to bring together investors, artists, craftsmen, exporters, policymakers and development partners to explore opportunities in the state’s creative industry and promote cultural tourism.
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